Barcode Generation and Implementation Method and System for Processing Information

ABSTRACT

A system and method for generating and implementing a barcode is provided, wherein the system includes a data generation device configured to receive data and generate barcode data response to the received data, a barcode generation device, configured to receive the barcode data and generate a barcode responsive to the received barcode data, a display device, configured to display the barcode and a barcode receiving device, configured to receive the barcode and operate in response to the barcode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/567,337, entitled A Barcode Generation andImplementation Method and System for Processing Information, filed Aug.6, 2012 which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 61/515,728, entitled System and Method for Processing Information,filed Aug. 5, 2011, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/539,587, entitled System and Method for Processing Information, filedSep. 27, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/622,175, entitled System and Method for Processing Information, filedApr. 10, 2012, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to the processing of information andmore particularly to a system and method for obtaining, processing andimplementing information, such as exercise, health and gaming relatedinformation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years, people have recognized the health benefits of exercisingon a regular basis. As a result, a whole industry dedicated to physicalfitness and exercise was created and has grown into a multi-billiondollar a year industry. Areas of this industry, which includes personaltrainers, fitness clubs, nutrition based products, exercise gear andfitness competitions, tend to complement each other and work hand inhand with each other to help individuals achieve an effective physicalfitness regimen. For example, a large number of fitness clubs employnutritionists and personal trainers that are readily available to advisetheir fitness club members, wherein the basic services that thesepersonal trainers perform are primarily three fold. First, the trainersdevelop an exercise regime tailored to individual clients and advisetheir clients on how to safely and effectively exercise. Second, thetrainers track the exercise performance of the client over the durationof the training period and analyze the client's exercise performancedata to identify where the client is or is not showing improvements. Thetrainer may then adjust the exercise regime of the client to maximizethe benefit to the client. Third, the trainer provides motivation totheir client, which ultimately helps the client to maintain theirexercise regime. This not only aids the client in maintaining a healthylifestyle, but also helps the fitness club retain their membership.

As mobile technology becomes more sophisticated and prevalent in thegeneral population, applications that are specific to the health andfitness industry are being developed on a broader basis to help trainersand individuals track and process (such as information validation) theinformation related to their (or their clients) habits and exerciseregimes. For example, as the “smart-phone” market has exploded inpopularity, solutions that focus on using the smart-phone as the focalpoint for collecting and viewing health related information are becomingmore readily available. In fact, there are systems currently availablethat allow a user to physically plug their mobile device into anexercise machine, such as a treadmill, to capture data generated inresponse to their workout. This date can then be viewed directly on themobile device or uploaded through a cellular network to a website, wherethe data can be processed further and/or viewed at a later time.

Unfortunately, in spite of the popularity and sophistication of thesedevices several major hurdles prevent or discourage the use of theseapplications. Firstly, as there are no standards for these devicesrelative to exercise machines not all makes and models of fitnessequipment have the capability installed to support data communicationwith the a mobile phone or device. Secondly, this is also true for themobile phone or device. Because there are no standards (as mentionedabove) and there are many different types of mobile phone or devicesavailable, each of which have their own proprietary communicationprotocols and operating systems, it is near impossible for fitnessequipment manufacturers to be able to provide a universal ‘plug in’solution that operates with all of the mobile phones or devicesavailable.

Thirdly, there are also exercise tracking systems that require physicaldata lines to be connected to every exercise machine in order tofacilitate the communications between the machine and a master serverlocated inside the fitness facility. This approach is not only costly inthat it requires the purchase and installation of upfront capitalequipment, but it also requires the maintenance and repair of physicaldata lines that are in high foot traffic areas near the machines.Although, these systems might be able to employ a wireless datasolution, the initial purchase and installation cost along withrecurring maintenance cost is still substantial.

Fourthly, machines or electronic devices (exercise and non-exerciserelated machines) that require a person to interface with themachine/device by traditional touch actions (i.e. member buttons ortouch screen interface displays) can often be susceptible to the machineinterface failing for numerous reasons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for generating and implementing a barcode is provided, whereinthe system includes a data generation device configured to receive dataand generate barcode data response to the received data, a barcodegeneration device, configured to receive the barcode data and generate abarcode responsive to the received barcode data, a display device,configured to display the barcode and a barcode receiving device,configured to receive the barcode and operate in response to thebarcode.

A method for generating and implementing a barcode is provided andincludes generating barcode data via a data generation device, sendingthe barcode data to a barcode generator, creating the barcode responsiveto the barcode data, displaying the barcode, uploading the barcode intoa mobile device and processing the barcode responsive to the barcodedata.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be better understood from the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a system schematic block diagram illustrating a generaloverall system for obtaining, communicating and processing informationvia a barcode process, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention

FIG. 1B is a high level operational block diagram illustrating a methodfor obtaining, communicating and processing information via a barcodeprocess, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operational block diagram illustrating a method forgenerating a barcode, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is an operational block diagram illustrating a method foruploading and processing a barcode via a mobile device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operational block diagram illustrating a general overallmethod for managing the content display is shown and includes monitoringthe display, delivery and/or reporting of the content that is beingdisplayed, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a operational block diagram illustrating a general overallmethod for delivering, monitoring and reporting the content beingdisplayed is shown and includes managing priority and delivery of thecontent delivered to the machine, in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operational block diagram illustrating a general overallmethod for content interaction with the mobile device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a barcode, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is an operational block diagram illustrating a general overallmethod for delivering radio content to a mobile device is shown andincludes receiving a wireless signal, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an operational block diagram illustrating a general overallmethod for generating a radio barcode is shown and includes receivingradio device data, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is an operational block diagram illustrating a general overallmethod describing the radio-mobile device interaction, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1A, as discussed further hereinafter, an overallsystem schematic block diagram illustrating a general system 100 forobtaining, communicating and processing information via a barcode isshown and includes a data generation device 102 that is in signalcommunication with a barcode generation device 104 and (optionally) aserver 106. The data generation device 102 is also associated with adisplay (and/or printer) device 108 for displaying the barcode that isgenerated. A mobile device 110 is provided for scanning the generatedbarcode via the display device 108 and the mobile device 110 may or maynot be associated with a server 112.

Referring to FIG. 1B, an operational block diagram illustrating a method150 for obtaining, communicating and processing information via abarcode process is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, the method 100 includes generating userdata via a device (such as an exercise device, a glucometer, apedometer, etc.) as shown in operational block 152. The user data isthen sent to a barcode generator, as shown in operational block 154,where the barcode generator may be integrated into the device generatingthe data or the barcode generator may be a separate device. The barcodegenerator then processes the user data (as discussed further hereinbelow) and generates barcode data, as shown in operational block 156. Itshould be appreciated that the barcode data may be in graphical form(i.e. a barcode) or the barcode data may be in data form where aseparate device can generate the graphical barcode (such as a printer ora device with a display screen). The barcode data may then be displayedin graphical form via a display screen (or via a physical printout), asshown in operational block 158. A user may then upload the barcode databy scanning the barcode with their mobile device, as shown inoperational block 160, where the mobile device processes the barcodedata and if necessary, operates in response to the barcode data, asshown in operational block 162.

Referring to FIG. 2, an operational block diagram illustrating a method200 for generating a barcode is shown, in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention. As shown, the method 200 includes receivinguser data, as shown in operational block 202, where user data mayinclude data related to the field of the device as discussedhereinafter. For example, the user data may include hyperlinkinformation (i.e. Universal Resource Locator data), device data, userperformance data, user biological data, advertisement data, channelviewing data, etc. The method may include determining whether to encryptthe user data, as shown in operational block 204, however, it should beappreciated that this operation may be optional as desired. A datastring is then generated using the barcode data (whether encrypted ornot) as shown in operational block 206, and the amount of data in thedata string is determined, as shown in operational block 208. At thispoint, the characteristics and size of the barcode to be generated areautomatically determined responsive to the amount and type of data inthe data string, and the barcode is generated responsive to thedetermined characteristics and size, as shown in operational block 210.The generated barcode may then be displayed, as shown in operationalblock 212.

Referring to FIG. 3, an operational block diagram illustrating a method300 for uploading and processing a barcode via a mobile device is shown,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method300 includes uploading the barcode data into a mobile device, as shownin operational block 302, where this may be accomplished by activatingthe scanning software on the mobile device and exposing the barcode tothe camera such that the scanning software can view and receive theimage of the barcode. When the image of the barcode is uploaded into themobile device, the mobile device may operate based on the barcode datathat is uploaded, as shown in operational block 304. The mobile devicedetermines if there is any hyperlink to a web site (ie. a URL), as shownin operational block 306, where if no URL is present, then the mobiledevice processes and analyzes the barcode data), as shown in operationalblock 308. The processed barcode data is then stored and displayed, asshown in operational block 310. It should be appreciated that thebarcode data may be processed based on instructions inside of thebarcode data, based on instructions in the software applicationprocessing the barcode data, based on the application for which thebarcode data was generated and/or a combination of all or some of these.The processed barcode data may then be made available to the user toallow the user to interact with the processed data, as shown inoperational block 312.

However, if there is a URL present in the uploaded barcode data, themobile device determines how the URL is to be used, as shown inoperational block 314, and if the URL information is to be used for datatransfer, as shown in operational block 316. If the URL information isto be used for data transfer, then the mobile device send the datastring to the web server, as shown in operational block 318, where theweb server processes the data string, as shown in operational block 320.The mobile device displays the web page with the processed data, asshown in operational block 322, and allows the user to interact with theprocessed data, as shown in operational block 312. If the URLinformation is not to be used for data transfer, then the mobile deviceuses the URL information to authenticate the barcode content forprocessing on the mobile device, as shown in operational block 326. Themobile device then processes the data string, as shown in operationalblock 308. The processed barcode data is then stored and displayed, asshown in operational block 310. It should be appreciated that thebarcode data may be processed based on instructions inside of thebarcode data, based on instructions in the software applicationprocessing the barcode data, based on the application for which thebarcode data was generated and/or a combination of all or some of these.The processed barcode data may then be made available to the user toallow the user to interact with the processed data, as shown inoperational block 312. As used herein, the term barcode refers to a 1Dbarcode, a 2D barcode, a 3D barcode, and/or an augmented realitymarker/image/code.

It should be appreciated that one embodiment where the method of theinvention can be applied involves includes collecting informationrelated to an individual, an exercise device and/or an exercise routineof the individual. When the data is collected, the exercise device (orother type of equipment) may then generate a barcode responsive to thecollected data and display the barcode. The barcode data may bedisplayed via display device (i.e. LCD, LED, etc.) or the barcode datamay be printed out. It should be appreciated that the collected data mayinclude any type of data suitable to the desired result, such asindividual and/or machine performance data, machine setting/operationdata, programmed regime data and/or biological data (such as heart rate,pulse rate, body fat, weight, height, pulse ox, etc.). Representing thedata in a barcode format advantageously allows this data to be easilyand securely collected and transfer between devices.

Accordingly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a solutionwhereby equipment (such as exercise or other types of equipment) maygenerate and display a barcode based on data relating to the performanceof an individual's workout along with any other desired parameters, suchas biometrics, past health data, equipment data (such as type ofequipment, performance data, accuracy of equipment measurements, etc.)and/or workout regime. For example, as an individual is working out, theexercise machine (or an attachment to the exercise machine) and/orbiological monitors can monitor and record machine and/or biologicaldata as it generated during the workout. When the user is finished usingthe machine, a barcode generator (internal or external to the machine)receives the information that was collected and generates a barcode. Thebarcode generator device may be an add-on module (in communication withsensors from the machine and/or sensors attached to the personcollecting data) to or it may be a feature integrated with the exercisedevice. This barcode may then be displayed to the user so that the usercan scan the barcode using their mobile device.

At this point, the user can upload this information or go to anotherexercise machine and perform another exercise routine, whereby the datafrom the second exercise routine may be appended to (or integrated with)the first exercise routine. One way this may be accomplished is thatbefore (or after) the user begins the exercise routine the user entersthe barcode generated by the first exercise machine into the secondexercise machine (such as by scanning). Once the user completes theroutine on the second exercise machine, the barcode generator device onthe second exercise machine generates another barcode responsive to dataobtained from both exercise machines and displays this barcode to theuser who can then scan the barcode into their mobile device. In anadditional embodiment, the exercise device may simply generate a barcodebased on the information collected during the use of the exercise deviceand display the barcode to the user. The user may upload the secondbarcode into their device and their device would append and/orintegrated the second barcode with the first barcode. It accordance withthe present invention, the data may be processed and displayed directlyto the user via the mobile device, exercise device and/or the data maybe sent (via hardwire, cellular or wireless network) to a backend systemfor processing and/or display.

It should be appreciated that the method of the invention may beimplemented via any device (mobile or other) that has the ability tocapture digital images (i.e. scan and/or take pictures). For example, inone embodiment, rather than scanning the barcode, the device could takea picture of the barcode for scanning by a device capable of scanning orprocessing by a software application capable of processing the barcodeimage to extract the data. This advantageously allows less sophisticatedmobile devices that only have the basic ability to take pictures,capture and transfer data from the exercise equipment. The softwareapplication used to process the image may reside on a mobile device orsome other processing device, such as for example a localcomputer/server or remote computer/server. Accordingly, the image can bedisplayed so that a device that has the ability to scan can scan in theimage or it can be sent via email or text to a device that can print thebarcode and/or interpret the barcode. This approach would also simplifythe effort required in developing the mobile scanning softwareapplication, since this would allow all mobile devices with picturetaking abilities to practice this method and thus benefit from theinvention.

Still yet another embodiment involves the situation where an exercisemachine (such as a cardio or strength device) may include a barcodereader that is capable of scanning a barcode, where the barcode containsinformation specific to an individual. In this case, the user can usetheir mobile device (cell/smart phone, iPod®, iPad®, digital camera,etc) to display their barcode (or the barcode may be on a physical card)to the scanner on the machine. The machine can scan and upload thebarcode via the scanner, where the information can be used to create aworkout regimen on the particular machine specific to the informationthat was scanned (uploaded) via the barcode. The barcode informationmight contain the overall exercise history of the individual, thethreshold levels specific to that person (heart rate limits, weightlimits for lifting, workout set limits for lifting, etc), informationfor how long the workout should last for the user, user biometric info(body weight, body fat %, etc), medical condition information (heartdisease, diabetic, etc), etc. The machine might then automaticallyadjust itself based on the parameters provided by the barcode and/or themachine may also monitor the individual for over exertion or physicalfailure (i.e. heart attack, asthma attack, etc.) where machine can alertthe fitness club workers or call emergency services.

In still yet another embodiment, the method may be used to capturebio-metric data from a kiosk (such as a health kiosk in a pharmacy) thatis used to monitor and display a person's physical characteristics, suchas body weight, pulse, blood pressure, body fat %, etc. Thisadvantageously allows for an individual to capture, store and sendprivate health information to a third party securely. For example,typically health kiosks must comply with strict HIPPA regulations andare thus constrained as to how personal health information is displayed(i.e. viewing angles, log in permissions, networking security, etc).However, by displaying the relevant health information to a person inbarcode format, anyone viewing the barcode will not be able to decipherthe barcode without a reader. Moreover, the data is secure because it isnot linked to an individual and thus is anonymous in nature whengenerated by the kiosk. The information is not associated with a useruntil the user scans the barcode data into their mobile device. Onceuploaded into the mobile device the mobile device will link thenecessary user identification to the data (or the kiosk can print out abarcode that the user can scan into a remote computer (such as a homecomputer) where it will be associated to the individual). It should beappreciated that as data is uploaded into the mobile device and/orremote computer, the uploaded data may be combined/integrated withand/or appended to any additional data stored within (or communicatedto) the mobile device and/or remote computer (such as priorhealth/exercise data and/or personal information). The mobile deviceand/or remote computer (or other device) may then generate a barcodethat incorporates the newly added or appended data.

In still yet another embodiment, the invention may also operate withfacial recognition software and/or hardware where the facial features ofa person can be a part of the ID process to help with userauthentication. Thus, the barcode could also include informationregarding features of the person's face to correlate the face with otherinformation. For example, an individual might start working out on anexercise machine that has the ability to detect the features of aperson's face (or object). When the facial recognition of the individualhappens, the data from that recognition process can be used to allow theperson to use the machine (or not). In this case, the facial recognitiondata may send the results of the facial recognition process to acomputer server that is controls the machine access (i.e. operation,power, etc). The data can also be stored and made ready for use by thebarcode generation component, where this recognition data can beintegrated as ID information inside the barcode data string, linking thedata inside the barcode to a specific user.

It should be appreciated that the control of an exercise machine couldalso be affected by the facial recognition ability of the invention,where the user of a machine (such as a treadmill) would be able to turnon/off, control operation (and communication with aftermarkettechnologies such as a CSAFE enabled LCD Television display), andcontrol machine user interface controls (GUI). In this example, a userwould get on an exercise machine that has optical sensor technology andmake an identified hand motion that would be recognized by the opticalsensor, thus informing the machine to either turn on, or perhaps displayan option of programs for the user to choose. The optical sensor mightalso have the ability to identify characteristics of the person such asheight, weight, gender, age, etc. . . . where these data points could beused to automatically adjust the available programs specific to theindividual user. Additionally, the user might also have something onthem that can be recognized by the sensor to help in the identificationor authentication process. For example, some gym chains use aproprietary RFID key FOB or barcode (that could be on a key chain ordisplayed on a cell phone or other mobile device) for club access. Thismay allow the fitness club to utilize an authentication process forusage of equipment based on payment status of the user. If the user doesnot have an authenticated device, the machine might be set up to notturn on. The exercise machine may be able to communicate directly withthe gyms member management software system using data networkingtechnology. This would be advantageous in also helping a gym understandexactly when a member was using the exercise machine, allowing forcritical data to be made available to the management as desired. All ofthis data could be sent to a smart phone, USB drive, computer, tabletPC, etc using a method such as that described in U.S. Pat. No.8,118,709, the contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Moreover, the invention contemplates a user being able to control themachine via movement, such as with pre-defined, recognized gestures. Forexample, a user of the exercise machine can interact with therecognition hardware/software by making hand movements and other motionsto control the machine. These movements may control functions such as:speed up/down, change resistance, change program information, enteringin data using a virtual keypad on the machine, change incline of themachine, control TV channels and volumes, navigate GUI menus to changethe display of the machine, access of machine maintenance information ofthe machine, etc. Additionally, the machine/device that contains theoptical sensor or other sensors might have the ability within the sensorhardware to handle all data processing of the optical sensor or othersensor devices and may be in communication with a secondary processingdevice that has the appropriate software to communicate with the sensorsand to provides processing and further signal transmission to theexercise machine. Furthermore, the sensory hardware and the exercisedevice, and/or the sensory hardware and the secondary processing module,and/or the secondary processing module and the exercise machine may becommunicated via at least one of a hard wired and/or wirelesscommunication.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that optical sensory technology(XBOX KINECT for example) may be able to define a ‘zone’ (i.e. such asthe footprint of the exercise machine itself) for the user which willallow the system to maintain a high degree of reliability with theability to ‘filter’ out noise or external movements (such as by peoplepassing by) that might occur outside the working ‘zone’ of the opticalsensory technology. This advantageously allows a fitness center to placeexercise machines in close proximity as each machine will require theoptical sensors to only monitor the defined zone for the correspondingexercise machine. Since this invention describes the ability for theoptical sensor hardware to create a defined working zone, any movementsor actions that occur outside of the defined working zone will beignored by the system or sensors.

One embodiment of this is illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Referring toFIG. 4, an overall general method 400 for managing the content displayis shown and includes monitoring the display, delivery and/or reportingof the content that is being displayed, as shown in operational block402. The system monitors when a user is active on the system, as shownin operational block 404, and sends content to the display for displayto the user, as shown in operational blocks 406 and 408. The user maythen interact with the content using a mobile device, as shown inoperational block 410, and the mobile device may function in response tothe user interaction, as shown in operational block 412. The system mayprovide the ability to conduct transactions, as shown in operationalblock 414, and reports the successful delivery and display of content,as shown in operational block 416. The system may also report theinteraction between the mobile device and the content, as shown inoperational block 418.

Referring to FIG. 5, an overall general method 500 for delivering,monitoring and reporting the content being displayed is shown andincludes managing priority and delivery of the content delivered to themachine, as shown in operational block 502, and the operation of themachine and or performance of a user is monitored, as shown inoperational block 504. The system then determines if the machine is onan active network, as shown in operational blocks 506, and if so, themachine determines if the user has authenticated themselves, as shown inoperational block 508. If not, the operation of the machine and orperformance of a user is monitored, as shown in operational block 504.If the user has authenticated themselves, then content that is targetedfor display is sent for display, as shown in operational block 510, andthe machine displays the content, as shown in operational block 512. Ifthe user has not authenticated themselves, then content that has notbeen targeted for display is sent for display, as shown in operationalblock 514, and the machine displays the non-targeted content, as shownin operational block 512. The successful delivery of content is thenlogged and reported, as shown in operational block 516.

It is contemplated that a user could use their own mobile device toperform the above function as long as the mobile device has opticalsensing capabilities (smarthphone, tablet PC or other mobile device). Inthis case the mobile device could be arranged and act as part of theexercise machine and would allow the above elements of the invention tobe practiced. The mobile device could also be docked directly into areceiving port/docking station of the cardio machine. This would allowthe user's personal mobile device to be used to capture data (optically)and then transmit that data to the exercise machine (either through adirect hardwired connection, wireless connection, optical datatransmission, or a combination these methods).

Accordingly, the mobile device might have at least one softwareapplication that would be configured to detect, then interpret theoptical feedback of the user, then process the feedback and convert thedata to command signals that would be used as described above. The samesoftware application might also be used to stream content directly tothe TV for display from the users mobile device that might reside on themobile device or that might streamed wirelessly via the users cellularplan or a LAN/WAN offered inside the facility which would allow for‘content on demand’ to be displayed directly onto the exercise machinesTV display (both embedded TV displays and aftermarket TV displays). Thecontent on demand might include videos, TV shows, advertisements, videogames, websites, user specific exercise program information that can beviewed and interacted with, and/or any other digital content the userwould like to view and display onto their exercise display unit (emails,pictures, voicemails, etc). It should be appreciated that the exerciseprogram information might be sent via any type of communication methodbetween the user's mobile device and the exercise machine display, wherethe programming information is displayed to the user and may include theworkout information of the user's current session being applied to theprogram graphical display. This would allow the user to have a betterunderstanding of how they are performing (in real time). This could alsoallow a user to view (and compete against) other user's program progresson the same or separate display if other user programs were also madeaccessible for viewing by the user's mobile device for display on theexercise machine display (or any attached display to the machine).

Additionally, the user's mobile device might also be able to communicatewith both the exercise machine and/or aftermarket TV display unit usinganyone of Near Field Communications (NFC) technologies to be able tobenefit from what was described above for machine control, TV/GUIcontrol, and content on demand streaming as a part of the opticalsensory input of a user. This is advantageous because not all mobiledevices (smart-phones for example) will be able to meet the hardwarerequirements the exercise machine manufacturer or aftermarket TV displaymanufacturers have for physically docking a mobile device. By allowingthe user's mobile device to wirelessly connect to the exercise machineor aftermarket TV display or other peripheral devices using NFCtechnologies (RFID, Bluetooth, BlueTooth Low Energy, WiFi, ZigBee, Ant+,etc), the system can now allow the user to authenticate themselves onthe system based on user profile information that might be storedalready on their mobile device. One embodiment of an overall method 600for content interaction with the mobile device is shown in FIG. 6.

In still yet another embodiment, the optical sensor technology couldalso capture data from the user such as skin temperature, sweat levels,heart rate by way of skin light refraction/light absorption measurementsand methods, etc, where the data can also be used to fine tune machineparameters in real time during the exercise session. This allows thesystem to obtain data (volitionally or non-volitionally) optically thatcould control the performance of the workout regimen controlled by themachine.

The data capture approach described above can also apply the data thatis obtained to drive advertisements that might be responsive to exerciseperformance indicators (duration, exertion/intensity, exercise machineperformance, evaluation of form during the exercise as compared to astandard for a scoring system). For example, targeted advertisementsmight be displayed back to the user while they work-out. Theadvertisements might be displayed by hardware on the exercise machine(LCD display that can receive advertisement data by wired or wirelessmethods) or hardware associated with the machine, such as aftermarketdisplay screens (that can also received advertisement data by wired orwireless methods such as a display screen. Moreover, in addition toadvertisement data, a Gamification backend system might also send datato the exercise machine (either via wired or wirelessly) that isresponsive to the performance of the user during the workout session.This would provide a user with feedback, like points earned for theirperformance, badges, trophies, virtual currencies, coupons that can beredeemed, etc. The user data that can be captured non-volitionally fromthe optical sensor would be different than the data that might becaptured directly from the exercise machine (like from a CSAFE port orUSB port) since the data from the optical sensor would have a muchhigher level of personalization. This is because exercise machinescontain standardized software algorithms that make assumptions as to howmany calories are burned during a workout (for example). The exercisemachine is not able to differentiate between multiple users except bygeneral inputs that might be applied to their software algorithms thatare manually entered by the user (age, gender, weight). The opticalsensor data would be able to detect skin temperature, sweat level, etcthat are the required inputs for true caloric expenditure calculations.Thus, a higher level of motivation would be provided, allowing the userto apply their personalized workout performance data that is opticallycaptured to motivational member rewards and loyalty programs offered tothem.

It should be appreciated that an exercise machine that has anaftermarket display that is in signal communication with the exercisemachine can benefit from a wireless module that is part of theaftermarket display electronics (the wireless module can be at leastpartially or fully integrated with the electronics of the exercisemachine or the module can be a stand-alone device that by itself is insignal communication with the exercise machine). The aftermarket displaymay be able to receive data (advertisement data, image data or moviedata) from a local computer or one that is connected to the internet orsome cloud based data server. The data content can be sent wirelesslyfor display on the display unit as part of the menu control systemdisplay, graphics user interface of the display, or ‘picture in picture’capability. This allows for content to be viewed by the user of theequipment without having to place the content on, or as part of,traditional viewing channel programming. This ability allows for agreatly increase capability of messaging and advertising since othersystems can only display ad content on a couple dedicated channels,which greatly limits the ability to target the ad placement and viewingof the content by the user since the user can change the channel towatch programming that cannot display targeted advertising or messaging.

Moreover, the data (such as advertising content) might also be displayedwhen a user reaches a certain milestone (such as one based on theirexercise regimen or machine usage). Since the aftermarket display unitis in communication with the exercise machine, the aftermarket displayunit (or stand alone wireless module) can have the ability to triggerthe timing for when advertising content or other messaging is displayedto the user based on the performance of a persons workout (example:display content when duration values are reached during the session,display content when individual calorie, distance, or heartrate valuesare reached, or any combination thereof). The wireless module that iscommunicating with the exercise machine might also be in communicationwith a local computer in the facility that is running a softwareapplication that manages the various content and/or graphic image files.This local computer software program might also have the ability to beconnected to third party servers via an Internet connection that wouldallow for content to be dynamically updated, allowing for remotemanagement of content on the system as well as having the ability toreport the successful delivery and display of content at the exercisemachine or associated displays in a fitness club environment (TVattached to machine, digital signage, etc). The content might consist ofgraphic images files that are in any digital form to allow for displayon the aftermarket display unit or exercise machine display unit (suchas, bitmap image, jpeg, PNG, M3, M3, AVI, MOV, SWF, access to web pagesdisplayed, or any rich media file type or static image file typesuitable to the desired end purpose).

In still yet another embodiment, the invention may use the facialrecognition software to better control the advertising content/messagingthat can be displayed to the user during a workout session. In thiscase, the invention can employ camera technology (webcam, mobile phonecamera, etc) that is working with facial recognition software and thatallows the system to gather data on the user when they are in front ofthe aftermarket TV display or on an exercise machine that has either acamera hardware device integrated or externally mounted onto it. Thesoftware in this instance may be able to verify the gender and age ofthe user, allowing this data to be captured and used as part of acalculation that drives what type of image file/advertisement should bedisplayed to the user.

Moreover, the system may have a software program running on a localcomputer and/or on the exercise machine (or would be connected to acloud based system) where the gender/user specific content would bestreamed for viewing based on the results of the facial recognitiondetection process. The facial recognition software might also be able todetect when a person is viewing or not viewing the display screen duringthe exercise session. This could be achieved by continuously orsemi-continuously monitoring the profile image of the person during theworking out or by having the facial recognition software be able todetect when the persons eyes are looking at the screen and for how longduring the workout session their eyes were fixed on the screen. Thereporting outputs of the invention would allow the system to providedata may allow the system to provide enhanced reporting analytics thatcould be used to better negotiate advertising spend rates with potentialcontent providers since the image files can be controlled for display byusing data that reflects what type of person is viewing the displayscreen and when they actually viewed the display screen throughout aworkout session. The enhanced interactivity of the invention alsoprovides reporting capabilities as an output based on how a personinteracts with the displayed content using their mobile device (eitherby scanning a QR code or by using augmented reality software on theirmobile device). It should be appreciated that the functionality of thecamera can be used with any type of mobile device (smart-phone, gamingdevice, etc) that might be in electronic communication with theelectronic display hardware (aftermarket TV unit, embedded exercisemachine display screen, etc). It should be appreciated that thefunctionality of the camera can be used with any type of mobile device(smart phone, gaming device, etc) that can be in electroniccommunication with the electronic display hardware (aftermarket TV unit,embedded exercise machine display screen, etc).

It should be appreciated that the content that is displayed to a personwhile on a machine can give the person the ability to interact with thecontent using their mobile device by either scanning the content thatmight have advertisements with QR codes that would link their mobiledevice to websites (or through mobile device software applicationinterface) to allow further interaction with content (example:purchasing, scheduling training appointments, product reviews, etc). Theperson might also use an augmented reality software on their mobiledevice that may further enhance their ability to interact with thedisplayed content (example: LAYAR), where the mobile device would beable to detect the images from the content which would then cause themobile device to display an interactive user interface on the person'smobile device specific to the recognized content. This would allow theuser to have options such as purchasing product, reading productreviews, sharing content with their peers, sending information to socialnetworks, scheduling training appointments, earning points for rewardsprograms, etc.

It should be appreciated that when the workout regimen is completed, theuser can then scan the dynamically generated barcode. The contents ofthe barcode that is being displayed might include a single data type set(only advertising info or only workout data) or it might include acombination of workout data history, machine performance information,and/or information on the various advertisements/content that the userviewed during their workout session (coupon codes formerchandise/services, a reference code linking the advertisements to theactual images that were displayed, etc). By capturing this information,the system provides a unique method for generating feedback to anadvertisement content provider system that can show demographicinformation relative to the people that are actually viewing theiradvertisements. Moreover, the system may also incorporate Gamificationtechniques to motivate the user to scan the barcode or AR image. Forexample, a user might generate points (like a frequent flyer program)for every barcode they scan. When the user reaches certain thresholds,they might have the option to redeem the points for rewards/prizesthrough a rewards program. The user might decide not to redeem thepoints until they reach the next level (i.e. ‘bank’ the points), whichmight be worth more as it can provide a more valuable prize as comparedto the last level they reached. The user might also decide to ‘gift’their points to another person (inside or outside the fitness centerscustomer base). This interaction could also be used to promote newmembership joining which can be used for member retention purposes.

The invention also contemplates being able to use a stand-alone devicethat is in signal communication with the exercise machine either througha hardwired or wireless connection (or both) where the stand-alonedevice (being referred to also as a information processing andgeneration module) can retrieve the exercise and machine performanceinformation (such as through serial communication with the exercisemachine). The information processing and generation module can requestthe information from the exercise machine and append (or integrate) theincoming data, process the data (packetize), and also might encrypt data(as an option for further data protection), and then generate a barcode(or any digitally generated image that has been described earlier by theinvention, on include but not limited to AR codes or HCCP codes). Theinformation processing and generation module can also passively receivethe information from the exercise machine, where the exercise machinemay send the information to the information processing and generationmodule (via hardwired or wirelessly connection) without any request fromthe information processing and generation module. But the informationprocessing and generation module would have the ability to receive andstore the information, to append and process the data, and possiblyencrypt the data (if desired), and generate a barcode.

The information processing module may also have the ability to createthe format of the barcode image where the barcode might have at leastone embedded URL inside the barcode which could be used as describedearlier for facilitating the flow of data transfer when the barcode isscanned by the mobile device or used as an authentication method for amobile phone application, where the URL may be linked to the mobilephone application and may allow for data to be captured once the URL isverified. This is advantageous since the URL can be unique to a fitnesscenter location or entity for where data embedded inside the barcodecould be sent to upon scanning the barcode. Moreover, the informationmodule might also have a communication port (serial port, USB port, orWireless connectivity ability—wifi, Ant+, BlueTooth, Zigbee, NFC-RFID orother) that would allow the module to receive updates from peripheraldevices such as USB flash drives, mobile devices (such as smart-phones,tablet PC's, iPad) or a computer, where the mobile device and orcomputer would be able to change the URL information (or otherinformation such as club ID code for example) to allow for a customizedsolution.

The information processing and generation module might also benefit fromhaving a firmware update or firmware command change from this secondcommunication port/ability where the module can receive a signal (eitherthrough a hardwired connection or wireless connection from at least oneof the above peripheral devices), where the signal could instruct theinformation processing and generation module to change operation fromits default firmware operation to accommodate a change in firmwareoperation that would further enable its ability to periodically retrieveor receive information from the exercise machine. This would allow theinformation processing and generation module to adapt its communicationabilities (on the fly or on demand) with the exercise machine (orperipheral devices that are attached to exercise machines that containsensors that collect, store and process data like on strength equipmentor spin bikes).

Additionally, the information processing and generation module may be incommunication with at least one of the peripheral devices where based onthe results of any possible communication failures due to theavailability of information from the exercise machine, the module couldrequest a firmware operation update from the peripheral device (in oneexample, wirelessly request this info from a local computer runningsoftware that would dictate the appropriate firmware operation change),where upon receiving and processing the request from the module andbased on the results of the communication failure the module sends tothe peripheral device, the peripheral device (ex: local computer) couldsend a signal to the information processing and generation module thatwould modify the operation of the firmware on the module that would thenallow for successful communication with the exercise machine.Furthermore, the above information processing and generation module canhave the ability to send the generated barcode image for display on anaftermarket device on an exercise machine. In this instance, the modulewould be in signal communication with the exercise machine (for example,using the CSAFE communication port or a USB port on a exercise machine),where the module would generate the barcode image based on the resultsof the incoming data from the exercise machine as well as from any otherinputs (such as graphic image content images or media files that arecommunicated from a peripheral device to the module), and the exercisemachine would have the appropriate software and hardware abilities tosimply display the output image file of the module by receiving theimage file(s) back through the same (or secondary) CSAFE port or USBport on the exercise machine.

In addition to the module being able to send graphic image files (ex:bitmap image of a barcode or ad content or messaging), the module canalso send the information to the exercise machine (or any aftermarketdisplay unit) in the form of a composite video signal or other videooutput type (RGB, S-Video, Component video, HDMI, etc). It should beappreciated that the module may be in communication with the exercisemachine via a hardwired or a wireless connection. Thus in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention, a hardware (or software) modulethat plugs into (or communicates with) a communication port on anexercise machine is provided where the module retrieves data, generatesa barcode image file, and then sends this image file back to theexercise machine (or other device) for display of the barcode image.This advantageously provides a solution to simplify softwareintegration. The module would also be able to pass alongmessaging/advertising content that is sent wirelessly for display on theexercise machine or other device, as well.

In accordance with the present invention, the barcode data may includeany type of information suitable to the desired end purpose. Forexample, the barcode data may include data entered by hand into themobile device, machine type and characteristics, date/time stamp for theworkout/data transaction (this might entered into the mobile device aswell if the machine is not capable of creating this), TV channel viewinginformation (channel viewed, duration of viewing, facility location ID(club ID code), MAC Address info from WIFI hardware that identifies thespecific machine, embedded points/rewards output based on workoutperformance (Gamification output), user ID info (from manual entry orfrom some external device that uses wireless/wired technology to input auser ID number like RFID key fobs and USB device serial number,manufacturer type, calories, duration, speed, heart rate, incline,exercise program info, resistance, distance (vertical and horizontal),all info related to the health and performance of the machine (such aserror codes, utilization, serial number, software version info, etc),advertising or messaging info that is displayed and streamed by themachine interface that might be sent from some 3^(rd) partyadvertising/content management source (local PC or networked server)that is directly wired into the machine or sent wirelessly). This wouldadvantageously allow a fitness center to display messages to a user thatcan be scanned onto their mobile device (such as coupons, programminginformation, promotions, events, etc).

Additionally, this would allow the system to provide a trackingreporting solution for member messaging since the user could interactwith a message via their mobile device, where the interaction on themobile device can be tracking by scanning barcodes or content that islinked to an augmented reality server. It should be appreciated that auser's mobile device can also have the ability to tag a data packet thatis being sent with specific user information, where the user informationmay include (but not be limited to) credit card number, license number,phone number, phone serial number, unique ID, code specific to the user,bio-metric digital fingerprint specific to the user, GPS co-ordinates ofthe user from where and when the scan took place of the barcode, etc. .. .

The messaging content data set could be anything and might be a memberquestionnaire about how they like the facility, equipment, staff, etc.This can be useful for helping retain memberships and provide motivationfor the user to participate in such content programming by adding areward system into the mix. Additionally, the data set might alsocontain ‘data hooks’ that can be linked to various gamificationplatforms to allow for a more seamless integration of health relateddata into the gaming platform, since the data output that is directlyoutput from the machine might also support ‘virtual currency’ calls fora gamification platform that is typically used to handle all currencyrelated transactions and processing for mobile and web basedapplications. This would benefit developers since it would provide astandard approach in how to incorporate Gamificationprinciples/standards into health related data output systems, and couldbe used to create a standardized approach that could be adopted by othersystems that recorded health data and had motivational/game basedincentives as a component.

For example, ‘gamification’ can be seen in this invention as usinginputs (workout performance data) to create a new type of outputdirectly at the machine level, where the machine is now capable ofprocessing the workout performance data and based on the result of thatprocessing, creates a multitude of outputs that provide an easier methodfor a user to better understand their performance. To further explain, atypical workout that might have an output of 300 calories, 22 minutes,and 3.2 miles on an exercise machine might now be displayed as 75Points, or a symbol such as a virtual badge or trophy, meaning themultiple data outputs of a workout are now being represented as a singlevalue that has a greater meaning to the user (like a FICO score). Thisnew output can now become part of the barcode data string and can beused by mobile and web based applications to drive reward systems. As isknown, reward systems typically require an input, where the input mayhave a pre-defined value to the rewards system. In this case, thepre-defined value might be the actual ‘points value’ that is part of thebarcode data string. This ‘points’ input can be used to drive a ‘virtualcurrency’ system as part of the invention, where the points output fromthe machine can be used by a person to purchase items/services, etc.

It should also be appreciated that, as discussed above, the method ofthe invention allows a user to scan (or take a picture of) the barcodefrom the machine at anytime the barcode is available for scanning. Thisadvantageously allows a user to append data to data already existing onthe mobile device (such as data from multiple exercises in a single (ormultiple workout sessions). Moreover, the invention allows data to beappended or combined with existing data as desired, such as via analgorithm, day/date/time, sequence, exercise type, machine type, etc.For example, the machine would be able to identify a data characteristic(such as a sequence number or an exercise type) that would tell themobile device how to append or combine the new information with theexisting information upon scanning the barcode. Additionally, the datacode packet that is formed into a barcode can also have a unique sessionnumber generated that will help create a unique session. This would beuseful in creating a system that could limit the number of times abarcode may be accepted by the system since upon a successful scan anddata send transaction, a second attempt to scan the same barcode wouldfail because the system has already seen the exact contents of thebarcode data string.

Additionally, in still yet another embodiment the size of the barcodewould be automatically scaled and displayed on the machines digitaldisplay to allow for maximum data storage. This is because the size ofthe barcode might change based on the amount of information that isbeing used to create the barcode. Thus, limiting or scaling the size ofthe barcode to the machine or mobile device provides for betterutilization of the barcode technology thus allowing users to capturemore data directly onto their mobile device. Accordingly, the size ofthe barcode would be automatically scaled and displayed on the digitaldisplay of the machine to allow for maximum data storage. Additionally,tones or other sounds may be used to communication information. (wemight have enough on this already)

In still yet another embodiment, the method includes being able to scanaugmented reality (AR) codes and content (images that are linked to aaugmented reality server) that can display (or cause the device todisplay) various images, text, video, etc onto the user's mobile device.For example, rather than carrying a service manual for each exercisemachine that is being serviced, a service technician that works onexercise equipment can scan an AR code displayed (or a code that isprinted on a label) on the exercise machine being worked on and have a3D image of that machine be displayed on his mobile device. Commonaccelerometer technology that is inherent in mobile devices would allowthe service technician the ability to manipulate his view of the 3Dvirtual image by moving his mobile device in various directions. Bydoing this, the service tech would be able to see a configuration ofcomponents of the machine that he might not otherwise have accesswithout taking the machine apart.

Additionally, if the machine has self-diagnostic capability, the imagethat the machine displays might be specific to a certain failure mode,allowing the mobile device interface to highlight which part ismalfunctioning to assist the service technician in locating andrepairing the problem. Thus, the service technician could selectcomponents on the virtual display of the mobile device that mightrequire repair, allowing him the ability to also understand what toolsand equipment are required to perform maintenance. Furthermore, theservice technician can select components (by touching the component onthe virtual display) to get information on specific components whichwould be displayed to the technician. For example, specific informationon a component might include when that component was made, the servicehistory on the system/component, when the component should be replacedbased on usage, wear and tear, or perhaps the error codes that themachine has been reporting can create a visual color coded indicatorthat the component is in danger of failing (i.e. the component may turnred or another color). This method also provide the ability to link themobile device to online systems that can provide information and videotutorials related to processes on how to repair the equipment as well aspurchase replacement parts.

Having the service/operational history for the machine and itscomponents directly available from the user interface on his mobiledevice would allow the service technician to maximize the time andefficiency to resolve and repair issues. It should be furtherappreciated that this method can also be applied in many otherindustries, such as aircraft/aircraft engine repair, medical diagnosticequipment repair, vending machine repair, automobile repair, electronicdevice/computer repair, manufacturing equipment repair, or any industrythat can benefit from the above method.

Another embodiment includes the ability for a mobile device applicationthat allows the user to scan a digital display of a machine using theirmobile device. Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, theapplication would be able recognize the language that is being displayedon the machine and automatically translate the language that is beingdisplayed (such as English) into a desired language (such as French)that the user would like to or is able to read. It should be appreciatedthat the method of the invention can also be applied to otherapplications where the need for multiple language support is needed wheninterfacing with equipment that displays information on a digitaldisplay. This could come in handy particularly for service techniciansof different origin as well where equipment manuals that are not in thenative language of the user.

It should be appreciated that the method of the invention can also beapplied to mobile health devices that have an ability toobtain/generate/capture data (such as bio-metric data). One exampleincludes travel to foreign countries where translation of medical datamay be needed or beneficial. In one situation, a person might use aglucometer for monitoring their blood sugar levels, where the glucometermay be able to generate and display a barcode that is generated inresponse to the user's blood glucose measurement. As discussed hereinthe generated barcode can be uploaded (i.e. scanned or email/text(image)) using any mobile device. This is beneficial because althoughthere are companies that provide BlueTooth enabled glucometer products,there is still a large challenge in how these devices can communicatewith mobile devices due to several reasons, such as mobile device 3^(rd)party software development restrictions and limits of data sharing onthose devices with 3^(rd) party hardware devices. The present inventionallows a person to easily transfer their data simply by scanning abarcode that is generated in response to their measurements to a mobiledevice or other processing device.

The data that could be displayed inside the barcode specific to ameasurement taken on a device like a glucometer could include thefollowing: manufacturer ID, model type, sample detection technologycode, calibration info of the unit during the sample reading, number ofreadings taken across a pre-determined time period, test strip type usedwith sample (enzyme configuration, etc), multiple sample readings allhaving the above data sets, the actual sample reading value specific tothe test type of the health monitoring device, environmental informationspecific to when the test was performed (temperature, humidity,altitude, or any other significant environment reading), URL for wherethe data should be sent. The data string inside the barcode might alsobe generated by a person using a button, touchscreen, voice controlinterface as part of the glucometer or any device connected to theglucometer. This would allow the person to selectively display a barcodespecific to their input. For example, a person might be able to speakinto the glucometer that had the ability to convert speech to softwarecode, where the speech input would be part of the data string creationprocess for the barcode (example: ‘display last 17 days readings’,‘display test strip purchase barcode’, ‘display test results trendingbarcode’, ‘display augmented reality image’).

It should be appreciated that the amount of data that can be sent alongin a single scan could also employ the use of ‘character referencing’,where single digits (alpha/numeric) could be generated and displayed inthe barcode where the single character might represent a value ofgreater than one digit. Barcodes can only hold a finite amount of data(alpha/numeric). To maximize the amount of data inside a barcode, we canhave a data set output be linked to a single character. For example, aheart rate value might contain three digits (150 bpm), where a singledigit character (‘A’) could be referenced to equal the value of 150 bpm.When the barcode is scanned, the mobile device or even a web applicationwould convert the letter ‘A’ back to 150 bpm. The character string for‘150 bpm’ has 6 characters in it, where as now we would only need onecharacter (i.e. the character “A”). This provides the ability to pack alot more information into a barcode that might be displayed on smallerdevices, such as pedometers, glucometers, etc. Thus, this allows forimproved abilities of holding more data inside of a dynamicallygenerated barcode, where the reference characters would be scanned bythe mobile device inside the barcode and would be converted to theirfull digit equivalent either on the mobile device after scanning using asoftware application or on a backend server capable of the sameconversion.

Moreover, Augmented Reality barcodes or images on or displayed as partof the glucometer (or any mobile health monitoring device) can also beused to display interactive images on the mobile device of the user.Thus, when a user scans their glucometer reading barcode, an AR poweredimage can appear on their mobile device that might let them order moretest strips, or other required testing supplies such as lancets, forfuture readings or could also be used to inform them about new servicesor products relative to their health condition, specific to the userperforming and capturing the results of their glucometer test byscanning a barcode or AR image using their mobile device. Additionally,the invention can be used to create a motivation system/program for theuser where the user may be rewarded and incentivized for scanning theirglucometer readings onto their mobile device, where each time they scantheir reading, the user might earn virtual points that can power acoupon redemption system (such as from third party sponsors like (retailstores, Nike, Adidas, health insurance providers, etc). Furthermore, theinvention can be used to provide monetary incentive programs based onthe participation levels of the user as it relates to the user using themeasurement device and then also capturing their data or results off themeasurement device using a method such as the barcode scan method (orany method such as wireless or direct data sync via hardwire connection)to a mobile device or computer.

In addition to a glucometer being able to display a barcode thatrepresents blood glucose or other data points, it is contemplated thatthe invention might also be embodied as an aftermarket electronic devicethat can be in communication with the glucometer, either through ahardwired connection and/or a wireless connection. One example includesthe already described approach as to how aftermarket devices canretrieve data, process data, and then display data relative to capturingdata from devices such as exercise equipment. In this case, anaftermarket device can be in signal communication with a device like aglucometer (or any other biomonitoring device such as a blood pressurecuff, pulse oximeter, heart rate belt, watch device that capturesbiometric data, pedometer, etc) where the aftermarket module has theability to explicitly request or passively receive (or a combination ofboth) data from the glucometer. The module can retrieve the glucometerdata at any time, and process the retrieved data as a dynamicallygenerated barcode as it has been previously described earlier in thisinvention, and then display the barcode on a display. This barcode canbe displayed as part of an electronic display on the aftermarket moduleor as part of a secondary module that is in signal communication withthe aftermarket module and that has the ability to receive the data anddisplay the barcode.

It should be appreciated that the aftermarket module might fit theprofile of the meter (like a mobile phone case for example), where themodule is acting as a case for the glucometer and can be directlyplugged into an existing serial port that is part of the glucometersembedded electronics. The module may contain at least one appropriatesoftware communication protocol that would allow the module tocommunicate with the corresponding glucometer (ie medical monitoringdevice, fitness tracking device, machine diagnostics device, etc).Moreover, the aftermarket module might also have near fieldcommunication abilities that can wireless communicate with a glucometerthat also has the corresponding near-field communication abilities (NFCcan be any wireless technology: RFID, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy,ANT+, Zigbee, WiFi, infra red, microwave, cellular, etc). This wouldadvantageously allow the aftermarket module not to have to be pluggedinto any glucometer communication port, but would still allow the moduleto retrieve the data and process for display as a barcode.

It should be appreciated that, in the event the mobile health device(such as a glucometer) does not have the ability to generate/display abarcode in the traditional ‘white/black’ format due to an LCD screendisplay, the method of the present invention includes the ability tohave use traditional 2D barcodes. For example, the mobile health devicemight also be used for scanning traditional barcodes. Additionally, themethod of the invention includes being able to upload (such as viascanning, OCR, etc.) non-traditional barcode data and processing thenon-traditional barcode data to convert that non-traditional barcodedata into a traditional barcode standard format (and vice versa). This“secondary processing” might take place on the mobile device or on aremote server running an application that is capable of such processing.Additionally, a person using a mobile device with picture/scanning/OCRabilities might also be able to take a digital picture of the displayscreen of the mobile health device and process the image using lesscomplicated data recognition technologies (like OCR). This processingmight take place on the mobile device or on another processing devicecapable of such processing.

It should be further appreciated that the method of the presentinvention may be integrated, in whole or in part, with an exercisemachine (or other machine from which data is being gathered) and/or itmay be practice via an add-on component (such as an after-marketsolution) to an existing machine. For example, as a user performs theirwork-out regime on a cardio machine that has the ability to generate anddisplay a barcode (either internally on a screen display or externallyon an after-market screen display), the barcode data string isconstantly being regenerated as the workout data is being updated. Thus,a user may begin with ‘0’ calories burned at the beginning of theirworkout and burn 10 calories/min during their work-out which may last 20minutes. In this case, the barcode data string may be regeneratedeverytime the calorie burns values are update and available or thebarcode data string may be regenerated and then the barcode is displayedat the end of the work-out or the barcode may be updated during thework-out at predetermined (and changeable) periods.

Accordingly, this present invention allows for the capturing of data(biological, machine, performance, environmental, user viewingexperience, etc.) related to a specific type of machine (for example,strength, cardio, pedometer, glucometer, etc.), work-out (sets, reps,distance, weight, etc.) and/or biology of an individual (fat content,heart rate, pulse, oxygen level, etc.) and the generation (and updating)of a barcode that is responsive to the data (in whole or in part)captured. Additionally, the data may include data related to the overallperformance of the machine (asset info), such as error codes, mileage,total utilization, number of times machine has been used, etc. Inaccordance with the present invention, this ability to capture anddisplay machine asset data is beneficial to the maintenance personnelwho can use a mobile device to quickly and accurately capture importantmachine asset data automatically without having to manually write downinformation. This machine asset data may then be processed via a mobiledevice or it may be uploaded to a remote server for processing (such asfor diagnostics) and/or as desired for documentation and record keeping.In addition, the barcode that is generated specific to the machine assetdata may also contain instructions and may also have at least one URL(via a hyperlink) to cause the mobile device to display/play specificmaintenance videos for that given machine. For example, when a servicetechnician uses the mobile device to scan the barcode on a machine thatis being serviced, the instructions contained in the barcode will causethe mobile device to access, display and play a video on how to changeservice the machine (or change a component, etc.). This video might showinformation such as the types of tools the person will need to fix themachine.

One way this may be accomplished would be by scanning a QR response code(QR Code), which is typically used in marketing materials for linkingmagazines/newspapers/tradeshow booths to content via a UniversalResource Locator (URL). In accordance with the present invention, the QRcode/2D code may include a URL embedded within along with instructionsfor the mobile device to auto-direct data transfer between the mobiledevice and a remote site. Thus, the QR code might also direct the userto a URL which has an entire list of videos related to the machine tochoose from. For example, the videos may include instructions on how toperform maintenance on a specific machine. Additionally, the method ofthe present invention is also beneficial in other areas as well. Forexample, the staff of a fitness center may use the method to monitor themaintenance history of their exercise equipment, since the barcodescanning can be used as a tracking system for how often theirmaintenance team works on the equipment. This ability to capture machinedata can also be applied to other types of equipment such as industrialmachinery, vending machines, medical diagnostic equipment (i.e. CAT SCANequipment, MRI equipment, etc). Another benefit is that a servicetechnician can selectively network the machine type when the barcode isscanned, allowing for diagnostic updates into the remote monitoringsystem when service is performed, where the service technician's mobiledevice is also in electronic communication with the machine.

In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a mobile device canuse the method of the invention as a way to send data that might begenerated from equipment, such as medical diagnostic equipment(glucometer, DNA Sequencers, hematology equipment, urinalysis equipment,pathology equipment, etc). One benefit of this application involves thefact that these types of devices might not be networked due to securityissues and laws. If the diagnostic equipment is able to generate abarcode that contained the results of their tests, a patient can scanthe machine only readable code with their own mobile device. This wouldallow the patient to send their test data to multiple sources anddestinations as they desire for parallel diagnostics (their DNA,personal doctor, personal data file, electronic medical record, healthinsurance provider, etc).

Still yet another embodiment includes a mobile device that has theability (whether through embedded electronics or by secondary plug indevices) to capture the biometric data of a person (such as fingerprint,heart rate, DNA, etc) and use this method as a way to identify the userand link this identification information to data contained within themobile device or uploaded to the mobile device. This would provide areal time method of authenticating a person as to provide proof of dataownership and could be used to help secure data as part of electronicrecords. The data from the above can also be appended to and/orintegrated with the data inside of the barcode for user ID purposes.

Still yet another embodiment involves using the barcode that is scannedfrom a machine (such as an exercise machine) to cause the mobile deviceto provide information (such as instructional information) to the personon how to use the machine properly. This information might be presentedto the user as a video, graphics (images) and/or as text to help theperson understand how to operate the exercise machine correctly. Forexample, a cardio machine might have features of which the user is notaware. The user would then scan the barcode on the machine with theirmobile device and the mobile device would display instructions on how tooperate the machine. It should be appreciated that this informationmight be contained within the mobile device (via downloadedapplication), the cardio machine, on a remote server (via link to URL bythe barcode) and/or it might be dynamically generated for the user basedon how the user tries to set up the machine. This method can also beapplied to any type of exercise equipment (strength equipment, cablebased equipment, free weights, suspension based systems like TRX, spinbikes, etc). The barcode can also be used to display information on howto perform specific exercises for that specific piece of exerciseequipment or for related exercises that work related muscle groups asthe equipment. Thus, this method would allow a person to see a pluralityof exercise types related to a specific machine or muscle group. Thismethod would provide an advantage to a person for following a customdesigned workout regimen that a personal trainer or expert might haveprescribed for them.

Still yet another embodiment of the invention involves the format of thedata that is dynamically generated by the system to create a barcode.The method of the present invention can employ the use of dataencryption techniques that can be used by the electronics of theexercise machine, so that the integrity of the data of a person issecure as they are scanning the system. This may also be relevant to thebusiness model of how to monetize the health data of a person. Byencrypting the data, the invention facilitates the generation of abusiness model based around licensing of data rights to third partiesfor having access to the data. One way for a party to have access to thedata after scanning would be to have licensed the rights to theencryption key technology from the inventor (licensor). The necessaryencryption key can allow third parties the ability to have access to thedata where it might be used to apply data to various mobile healthrelated software and machine asset management software applications andmay be kept secure as desired.

For example, a gym chain (24 HR Fitness) has thousands of exerciseequipment and millions of gym memberships. Revenue streams could becreated by the invention by selling hardware to a gym that delivered thebarcode generation technology to that environment. Part of that businessmodel would be to license the rights to have access to the encrypteddata from the invention, where the data of members could be used to helpretain memberships by allowing members to track their workout history orallow personal trainers access to member information to build betterclient relationships. The gym might also want access to the machineperformance information to help better maintain their equipment whichwould also be a data licensing opportunity.

The barcode (which may or may not be dynamically generated) can containa URL (or more than one URL) that will allow data (all or only aportion) to be sent or redirected to the specified URL(s). This isadvantageous since the user does not have to perform any operation ontheir mobile device (other than scanning) to have their data sent. Also,this lends itself to the business model of controlling and protecting3rd party licensing revenue models. Since 3rd parties will have to begranted access to the ‘gateway URL’ that is specified in the barcode,licensing revenues from 3rd parties may be linked to the data accessprivileges based on conformance of royalty payments to the provider ofthe technology. Moreover, Augmented Reality tags/codes can also be usedas a part of the barcode display to create ‘virtual’ interactive imageson the mobile device display that might be representative of variousURL's the user can choose from to have their data sent to (Nike+, AdidasMiCoach, PHR, etc).

Still yet another embodiment includes linking workout performance of anindividual, that is displayed as a dynamically generated barcode,directly to a mobile application advertisement that may be driven off ofhow a user performed during a workout. For example, if a user workoutsfor a certain duration, they might, after they scan their workoutbarcode, see a sponsored app from a third party advertiser that isspecifically targeted to the user's profile (gender, age, weight,physical condition, etc). The targeted information might be use toincentivize and provide the user additional motivation for working outby applying their workout data to a rewards system (similar to frequentflyer points). In one scenario, the more a user exercises and capturestheir data, the more they may be able to grow their real world orvirtual currencies that can be redeemed for actual money (physicalcurrency) or coupons from advertisers. Additionally, the advertisersmight also be able to take advantage of the mobile devices GPS abilitiesand display even more specific advertisements based on the geographiclocation of the user since mobile devices can be used to identify thephysical location and address of the device.

Thus, when a user scans a barcode, the data that isgenerated/transferred specific to that barcode could also be used togenerate AR coupons that the user could redeem. For example, a usermight exercise for 15 minutes, and based on the duration of theirexercise a coupon having a value might be displayed on the interface oftheir mobile device (or sent to them via email or txt message). If thatsame user were to exercise for 30 minutes, the user would receive acoupon of higher value that is based on the fact they were physicallyactive for a longer duration. This provides further motivation for auser to exercise for longer durations based on their ability to generateand redeem higher value coupons based on their physical activityperformance.

In still yet another embodiment, a barcode can also be affixed to a freeweight which would allow a person to quickly scan the dumbbells they areusing for exercising. When the user scans the free weight barcode, themobile device might also apply the captured data to an existing exerciseregimen that may be on the person's mobile device, allowing the user tomore efficiently track adherence to a prescribed workout regimen.Additionally, the method of the invention also includes processing thescanned data to compare against the user's prescribed regimen, allowingthe user to see if the free weight they are using is within theparameters of their regimen. Additionally, if the free weight is notpart of the regimen, the user might have the option to accept or declinethe input and choose another free weight that is recommended by themobile device application. This again provides a novel method forexercise regimen instruction. Additionally, the invention may allow forthe provision of an audible feedback to the user upon scanning thebarcode on the free weight, where the voice/audible feedback might becreated and played by the mobile device upon the scanning of thebarcode. When the barcode is scanned and decoded, a text software scriptmay be created (or previously created and stored) and converted tospeech using a ‘text to speech’ algorithm. This advantageously allowsthe mobile device to be able to dynamically generate specificinstructions and communicate the instructions to the user based on theinputs of the scanning of barcodes.

It should be appreciated that the barcode data for a free weightassembly might include: Manufacturer, model, weight amount (in kilogramsor pounds). Additionally, the free weight rack might also have thebarcode affixed to the frame which would also allow the user to scan.This advantageously allows a fitness center to track and ensure that theproper weights are located in their proper racks. The person might alsobe able to interface with their mobile device to enter in the amount ofsets they did for each exercise to further complete their workout log.It should be appreciated that the present invention can also be appliedto other types of exercise devices that are not classified as freeweight exercise types. For example, a BOSU ball might have a barcode onit that can allow the user to scan, and then view exercise types thatcan be performed using the device (push-ups, step programs, plyometrics,etc). Moreover, the present invention can be used with exerciseapparatus that can be classified as group exercise apparatus's.

For example, TRX training is a type of suspension based exerciseplatform that allows a person to perform various resistance basedexercises using their body weight along with suspension cable systems tocreate resistance that results in exercise sessions. The amount ofexercise types are numerous for this type of system, and a person wouldtypically have a placard that describes general instructions on how toperform the exercise. By scanning a barcode on the exercise equipmentthat is capable of causing a mobile device to display video or graphicaltutorials on how to perform a specific exercise, a complicated trainingsystem can be more efficiently explained allowing the person to benefitmore from the exercise. The barcode may be affixed to the TRX suspensioncable gear or even to a frame that is used to support the suspensioncables or, the barcode may be on a placard for the TRX exerciseinstruction booklet.

It should be appreciated that the use of a 3D barcode might beadvantageous since 3D barcodes can be physically embedded or embossedinto a plurality of materials (such as the metal supports) versus beingprinted out on a label.

Still yet another embodiment includes applying the biometric data of anindividual to drive ‘game based’ applications. For example, a user mighthave a mobile phone application that can convert real world data tovirtual currencies or use the real world data to affect the attributesand characteristics of an avatar or environment, where the avatar mayassume some or all of the characteristics of the user, machine and/orenvironment via a barcode that was generated and that was scanned inusing the mobile device. One advantage of this embodiment is that itacts to motivate a person to sustain a level of physical activityparticipation at a higher level than when not applying the biometricdata to a game type solution. The real world data collected from thissystem might also be used to earn virtual achievements set up by themobile application (or remote server application). These virtualachievements can be used to create a social status inside a community ofother players, and even allow the user to share their activityachievements on social networks like Facebook® and/or Twitter®. Oneadvantage is that the user can seamlessly handle data transactionsdirectly from their mobile device (these data transactions may includeuploaded workout data, process data for display, apply data to gamingapplication, send data instantaneously to multiple server sideapplications).

Another advantage includes the ability to more easily share data acrossmultiple software applications without having to develop complicatedbackend web services type solutions that are typically used for sharingdata between systems. The Gamification application of the data can alsobe used to create a leveling system for the user, where the scanned datacan be applied towards status levels. Thus, in order to reach the nextlevel, the user may have to increase levels of activity or commit toachieving levels of activity participation over a pre-determinedtime-frame. This creates another layer of motivation for the user andhelps encourage a more healthy lifestyle.

Still yet another embodiment includes having logos, pictures, and/oranimations embedded into the dynamically generated barcode (See anexample in FIG. 7). These elements might be generated based on thequality of the workout routine that was completed by the user, or theyalso might indicate the overall health of the exercise machine or belinked to an advertisement or message (overall health of the machinemeans that the barcode might have a ‘human readable’ image as part ofthe barcode. Barcodes are only machine readable and by adding the humanreadable element as part of the barcode display would help a personunderstand more about what type of content is inside the barcode) thatis displaying the barcode. In one application, this might aid the userin understanding whether they are on target for hitting a specific goal.In another application, if a service technician is working on themachine, the user could quickly be notified (such as via a thumbs up orthumbs down image inside the barcode) that they should scan the barcodeto find out more details on the health and operation of the unit.

Still yet another embodiment is related to monitoring the eating habitsof a person and involves a person being able to more efficiently capturedata relative to their eating habits. For example, most grocery storeshave touch screen point of sale computers that consumers will use tocheck out food from the store. In this example, a person would ring upall of their purchased food, and then have a dynamically generatedbarcode be displayed on the touch screen display that may includeinformation regarding the food they purchase. This Information mayinclude items such as total fat content, calories, portion sizes,protein, carbohydrates, sodium, etc and can all be captured by the userwhen they use their mobile device to scan the barcode. This would allowthe user to keep track of their weekly/monthly food intake. By allowinga consumer to track this information, the person's food data can beapplied to diet programs they are engaged in (Jenny Craig, WeightWatchers, etc), where points are used to dictate the amount of foodconsumption on a weekly basis. Using the information obtained (such ashealth condition, diet, nutrition requirements and food nutrition data)the invention may include suggesting foods to eat along with healthypreparation methods and recipes. This would allow the person to bettermanage their overall food intake by allowing their data to be trackedhistorically over time and then compared to the diet plan they are on.If the person purchases food high in fat, carbohydratess, sugars, etc. .. . they might receive a notification that their food purchase willbring them over the allotted point (or calories, fats, carbs, etc.)total for a given time period and they should either increase physicalactivity levels to counter additional food intake or be mindful in theirconsumption. By participating in a system like this, a person would beable to better manage their diet goals.

In accordance with the present invention, the method may also includekeeping track of foods costs along with food content, where the methodcould suggest menus, recipes and purchase choices to a user based oncost budget, family members, food content and/or time constraints. Forexample, the method of the invention could be used to help plan mealsand thus purchases for a particular time period. Because lower incomeindividuals and families typically purchase food based on their budget,the food is usually not the healthiest choice. The present inventioncould suggest meals and food purchases based on budget (and otherparameters) and thus would advantageously allow lower income individualsand families the ability to maximize their nutrition and health whileminimizing their cost.

This method could also be applied to standard paper receipts that aregenerated in the event a touch screen display is not available duringthe purchase of their food. By applying Gamification principles, theuser might be rewarded for simply scanning the barcode to initiateparticipation. This would further provide incentives for the personsince they might be awarded coupons towards discounts on futurepurchases or build a social status on a virtual online community thatincludes other participants. Additionally, if the person visits arestaurant, they can also scan the food receipt that might have abarcode on the paper that represents a report on their specific mealthey just consumed. This could also be useful in helping the personmanage their diet plan by allowing them access to calorie, fat, sugar,etc intake at restaurants or fast food places. This method can also beuseful for people that suffer from chronic diseases such as hypoglycemiaor diabetes, where their food intake is critical to the state of theirdisease and must or should be controlled. By offering a solution thatcan immediately identify the composition of a food purchase, a personwith a chronic disease could be notified by the system via their mobiledevice (or by any electronic means) that their food purchase is eithergood or bad for their condition. This information might also be sharedwith an electronic medical record, doctor, insurance provider,nutrionist, or other expert. Additionally, by sustaining participationin this type of approach, a health insurance provider would be moreinclined to review the risk levels based (at least in part) on theirability to report their general food intake history. The more youparticipate, the greater opportunity you may have for an insurancepremium savings. This model fits perfectly into the consumerism approachtaken by most health care providers.

Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment of an overall general method 800 fordelivering radio content to a mobile device is shown and includesreceiving a wireless signal, as shown in operational block 802, andgenerating barcode data responsive to the wireless signal, as shown inoperational block 804. A barcode is generated based on the barcode dataand is either displayed or sent to a mobile device for user input, asshown in operational block 806. The user uploads the barcode data to themobile device, as shown in operational block 808, and the mobile deviceprocesses the barcode data and may operate in response, as shown inoperational block 810. The user may interact with the content, as shownin operational block 812, and the mobile device may report interactionto content provided, as shown in operational block 814.

In still yet another embodiment, the invention involves usingdynamically generated barcodes in regards to secured paymenttransactions. For example, there are vending machines (such as RedBox®)that allows a person to purchase/rent a movie. Typically, these machineshave a credit card reader that the person swipes to make a payment. Thesame vending machine might also have a digital display that is capableof displaying information relative to their purchase. In accordance withone embodiment of the present invention, instead of using their creditcard for payment, the user could use their mobile device to pay for anitem by opening a web based software application on their mobile device,where the application has their credit card information already stored.The vending machine is connected to a server and by scanning the barcodebeing displayed on the interface of the vending machine, this wouldcause the server to charge the charge the cost of the product to thecredit card and release the product to the user. By doing this, theuser's credit card information would remain more secure since thevending machine would be able to authenticate the person's payment infovia the internet by communicating with a remote server that is also incommunication with the user's mobile device software application.Additionally, this method might also provide a good secondary paymentsolution for the vending machine when the credit card reader mightmalfunction and not be useable. Also, this method also has the abilityfor the vending machine vendor and any other parties, to see demographicinformation on the person since that data might be more readilyavailable than when using a standard credit card.

Referring to FIG. 9, one embodiment of an overall general method 900 forgenerating a radio barcode is shown and includes receiving radio devicedata, as shown in operational block 902, and generating barcode dataresponsive, at least in part, to the radio device data, as shown inoperational block 904. The barcode size and characteristics aredetermined, as shown in operational block 906, and the barcode may bedisplayed, as shown in operational block 908 and/or the radio device maycommunicate directly with the mobile device, as shown in operationalblock 910.

Still yet another embodiment involves data compression content and howthe dynamically generated barcode can be displayed in various ways tohandle data sets that are not typically capable of being displayedinside a single barcode format. Besides displaying a single barcode thatwould contain the majority if not all of the exercise performance dataof a person, the exercise machine may also display multiple barcodesthat may be identified within the barcode as representing varioussegments of the person's workout. These multiple barcodes could bedisplayed all at once for sequential scanning by the user or mightappear one at time allowing the user to scan each barcode separately.Additionally, the method might periodically flash the barcode on thescreen to allow a single scan attempt to capture multiple barcodes allin one scan via the mobile device.

Still yet another embodiment involves a dynamically generated barcodethat could be created by a video gaming system that is connected to adigital display. For example, Nintendo® offers a peripheral devicecalled Wii Fit®. This device allows a person to follow an exerciseregimen allowing their performance data to be sensed by the Wii Fit®device, or even by the Wii® controllers that have accelerometers builtinto them and allows for the bio-metric exercise data to be displayed asa dynamically generated barcode on the users digital display (TV,computer monitor, etc), allowing the user to capture their workout infodirectly onto their mobile device. This allows for easier access forsharing and storing workout data, so the user might have direct accessto their workout history themselves, or they might allow a third partysoftware application the ability to process the bio-metric data fromtheir video game console system and apply it into various softwareapplication uses (mobile apps that send data to social networks, createleaderboards, team challenges, etc). Typically, third party developersdo not have any access to this type of data and the method allows forthe seamless flow of user bio-metric data, where the user is in completecontrol of the data transfer process. Other exercise video game systemscan supply the same solution (Xbox® Kinect®, Playstation® Move, or anyother game based product). This method can also be applied totraditional arcade games that are installed in shopping malls andamusement parks. By displaying participation data of an arcrade gameusing a barcode, the data can now be ‘networked’ without having tocreate a physical data connection with the actual gaming hardware. Oneembodiment of an overall method 1000 describing the radio-mobile deviceinteraction is shown in FIG. 10.

Still yet another embodiment involves video game systems that might befound inside a sports bar, arcade, or other recreational area can havethe scores of a play session be generated into a barcode that might bescanned. These machines are typically not networked and only have theability to display leader boards at a local level for that singlemachine. The present invention would allow similar machines frommultiple locations to have the highest scores networked online byallowing players to scan their scores via barcodes and then submit themfor competition. Users could use this type of system to create virtualcompetitions of arcade based games, allowing for improved level ofcompetition outside of their normal peer groups in their geographicalarea (or other parameters). These barcodes may also be dynamicallygenerated based on how the players performed during their game sessions(or other parameters as desired, such as age, frequency of play, etc).

Another embodiment involves the format types of the barcode beinggenerated, where the barcode might also use colors as part of thebarcode. This will allow for a higher amount of data that can beincluded in the barcode. High Capacity Color Barcode (HCCP) is oneexample of how color can be used to increase the amount of datarepresented by the barcode. Additionally, the use of color can also beused to quickly signify the intensity of the workout by the user (forexample: red=too high, yellow=too low, green=just right). Color can alsobe used to quickly and visually identify the health of the machine aswell, allowing a maintenance person to identify whether any error codesare active simply by looking at a color barcode. Color might also beused to identify a facility the equipment is in (by using a mix of colorcombinations). Color might also be used as part of a ‘gamification’solution, where points are awarded to the user for hitting exerciserelated milestones (number of calories burned, heart rate zone minutesearned, distance completed, duration completed, etc). In this instance,the color barcode may signify an achievement that was earned based onthe user's performance. By using a colored barcode approach, the systemcan more easily provide data to a backend system for displayinginformation for reporting purposes without the need for intense dataprocessing of encrypted data formats. The barcodes can also be acombination of the standard ‘black-white’ pixel along with the use ofcolored pixels to allow for optimization of data formatting by combiningboth barcode display options.

It should be appreciated that as used herein a mobile device can be acell phone, smartphone, PDA®, iPod®, iPad®, iTouch®, Tablet® PC or anyother mobile device capable of receiving (visually) and transmittinginformation. The gaming devices may also be able to generate a dynamicbio-metric barcode which could be displayed on their display screens.These devices have built in accelerometers and other sensors thatcapture data such as heart rate, as well as peripheral devices that canmonitor blood sugar/glucose levels. All of this data can be compiled onthe portable gaming device and displayed as a barcode where the usercould scan the barcode for processing and/or forwarding.

Still yet another embodiment involves the use of a dynamically generatedbarcode for the capture of data that may be displayed on a device thatis used to listen to radio stations or capture music from a satelliteservice. When a person is driving in their car, the typical radiodisplay might display the artist name, name of the song, etc that isplaying. The present invention contemplates that the radio may display abarcode containing information related to the audio output (ie. artist,author, song, song title, book, interview, etc) where the user wouldsimply have to scan the displayed barcode. The information in thebarcode could then allow the user to purchase and upload the audioimmediately or the information can be stored for later consideration andpurchase. When the person(s) in the car scan the radio display with amobile device, the software application on their mobile device can storethe information specific to the song for review later. Additionally, thesame software application can submit an automatic request to one of manyinternet based music download solutions (iTunes® for example) where aperson with a mobile device that can be connected to the music servicewill have the song selected inside their account for a possibledownload, at their discretion, at a later time. Or, they can have theiriTunes® service set up such that simply by scanning the barcode willprompt their cell phone to start downloading the music they arelistening to, directly onto their mobile device. The barcode may begenerated by the car radio, by another entity or by both.

Additionally, the use of colors inside the barcode symbol that isgenerated and displayed by the car radio can help the person driving thecar understand how popular the song is by the number of total downloadsfor that song on a given day/week/month/year, etc. In one embodiment,since users would scan the barcode to initiate the download process ontotheir mobile device, this can also be used to track downloads byproviding data to a backend system from the internet connected mobiledevice that would scan the barcode since the barcode could also have aunique identifier that might be specific to a radio station, or time ofday the barcode was displayed. It should be appreciated that the presentinvention may benefit from facial recognition technology (OCR) from awireless sync to a mobile device, benefit from speech/voice inputcontrols by the user into the radio device or mobile device and even acombination of both a wireless and scanning method.

Moreover, the invention contemplates a wireless sync from the car radiodevice to a person's mobile device, where the user would have a touchscreen display as part of their car radio interface. On the touch screeninterface, there may be options for a user to press a button on thedisplay to send data information of a song they liked that was currentlyplaying directly to the wirelessly sync'd devices, or the musictransaction might start automatically downloading onto the mobile devicewhere it would be stored for future use. Also, this same wirelesslyenabled radio display would also have the ability to display thepopularity of the song being played to help inform the person that themusic is a popular or favorite song amongst otherparticipants/subscribers in the system. The person's mobile device mayalso have the ability to send specific profile information of the userto the radio display device that might contain preferences on musictypes, bands, artists, songs, etc. This information could be used by thewirelessly enabled radio device to help filter and pre-select songs forthe person based on their preferences. All of the above describedtracking benefits for scanning the barcode may also apply to the methodof a wireless sync to a mobile device since the user would be able toprovide traceability for the content they select by how they interfacewith the radio device.

Still yet another embodiment may be related to advertising. When a userscans the barcode from their car radio using their mobile device, theuser might see a sponsored add displayed on their mobile device that isfrom a radio station sponsor. The information for the advertisementmight be embedded into the data of the dynamically generated barcode orthe barcode might contain a URL link for the specific advertisement thatwould direct the user to the advertisement before they would be able todownload the song to their mobile device. This is a novel approach forproviding a return on investment (ROI) for 3^(rd) party sponsor's thatsponsor over the air radio adds by providing a method of tracking theadds that are viewed by using the barcode scan feature. Thisadvantageously allows radio stations the ability to sell air time thatis related to music being played since an advertisement can bestrategically placed over air time when music is playing. Thus,advertisements can be displayed as the music is playing whereastraditional methods of radio advertising are typically done only inbetween music sets on a radio party station. Accordingly, the presentinvention allows 1) 3^(rd) party advertisers to see a true ROI for theirefforts, and 2) radio stations to be able to expand their capacity intheir ability to sell advertising time because the advertisements (inthe form of a dynamically generated barcode) can be running at the sametime as the music is playing. Furthermore, the scanning of theadvertisement might prompt an automatic text message to be sent to theuser's phone when the barcode from the radio display is scanned. Thattext message might also be an email or other message variant that isused to communicate the advertising message, all the while allowingtracking of the advertisement back to the 3^(rd) party and the radiostation for ROI reporting purposes. Additionally, radio stations cancreate business models around selling music air time that is linked tothe most popular songs or even talk show radios.

Moreover, the present invention may allow a user to communicate to theradio station that they ‘like’ a particular song that is playing. When auser indicates that they ‘like’ a certain song, the correspondingadvertisement data might be displayed directly to the user. The displaymay have the option to have controls for the duration of theadvertisement display before the process of sending the music relateddata to the mobile device begins. Additionally, the radio device displaymight also have a list of ‘free’ content on the device that have beenpre-paid for by sponsors. This content might be in the form of music,pictures, videos, games, etc. . . . that might be available for downloadto a mobile device when the person initiates the transaction ofdownloading/syncing data to their mobile device. The sponsor of thecontent may benefit from additional viewing of their advertisements aspart of the requirement for completing the download of the sponsoredcontent onto the user's mobile device. Additionally, when the userinitiates the wireless data send for the content, the associated datathat is sent to the mobile device may also contain 3^(rd) partyadvertising information. This allows content providers (such as radiostations) the ability to strategically place advertising informationwith the most popular songs for syncing, which would allow the contentproviders to generate additional advertising revenue by allowingadvertisements to be initiated by users of the system as they engagewith the system. As described earlier, this system provides tracking andROI for the 3^(rd) party advertiser since each transaction can betracked specifically to a user. Furthermore, the reporting metrics backto the content provider and 3^(rd) party advertiser would also provideinsight into the demographic information of the user. The advertisinginformation might be displayed on the mobile device as a mobile webpage, banner add, sponsor tag, or other method of display. As usersengage with the system, they might be rewarded with free uploads if theypay for a subscription to the service. Furthermore, the users that usethe service frequently might benefit from free content based on theirusage.

Still yet another embodiment involves an interactive user interface of acar radio while listening to content. As a person listens to music, theymay have the ability to inform the content provider on the quality oftheir content (say by pressing a button on the radio display interfacethat would signify a sign of approval or disapproval). This would allowcontent providers the ability to apply traditional continuousimprovement methodologies to their programming design by using thefeedback of subscribers. When the person initiates feedback for thecontent, the feedback may be sent back to the content provider bywireless communication directly from the radio interface device or byusing a wirelessly connected mobile device to facilitate the feedbackvia a cellular network (or by any other means of data transmission).This feedback could be used to generate popularity ratings for thecontent that is distributed from the content provider. This feedbackmechanism could also be applied more specifically to talk radio whereusers are typically unable to call into radio stations successfully dueto busy lines. By allowing a more open method of communication with thestation listeners, listeners can be rewarded for their participationduring the talk show session which in turn may reduce the amount ofstation changing. By applying the principles of ‘gamification’,listeners might generate social status as part of that talk show by howoften they provide feedback on a comment or topic that is beingdiscussed via the interface on their radio device.

Additionally, the user's mobile device may be used to provide a user IDdata set for each feedback response back to the station, which wouldallow the content provider the ability to track who is actuallyproviding the feedback. This method of tracking the feedback data can beused to create a user leveling system that is designed to engage thelistener to promote loyalty and ‘stickyness’ for the content provider.In addition to a leveling system, specific achievement levels could alsobe created that are based on the amount of content that is sync'd fromthe radio device to the mobile device, or by monitoring the amount oftime the person is listening to the radio station. This game-basedmechanism may promote adoption of content transfer by the user as partof the system since it will further create a unique social status thatcould be shared with other participants of the system via a website orsocial media platform (Facebook/Twitter for example). The system mayalso reward users for when they would bring in or refer their friends orothers into the service through sharing their experience by eitherinterfacing with the radio interface or by using their mobile device toshare their performance on the system with their friends and contactlist.

Additionally, the radio station may be able to offer specific meta-gamesthat would promote user listening since the users would be incentivizedto ‘play’ the game by staying tuned to the station for a duration oftime. One example of this might be where a radio station solicits anadvertiser (example: Budweiser®), and when the name of the specificsponsor is mentioned by the radio broadcaster, the user would enterfeedback into the system either by their radio device interface or bytheir mobile device. The radio broadcaster would then be able to tallyup and report back on how many users participated and achieved themaximum number of feedback points based on the number of times thesponsors named was mentioned during the ‘game’. The result of this gamebased listener participation strategy would be a further detailedunderstanding on the demographics of the users who are listening whichmay leads to a better ROI for the advertiser.

It should also be appreciated that user/listener feedback, while it hasbeen so far described as being submitted by interfacing with the radiodisplay interface or the user's mobile device, can also be submittedinto the system by voice, sound, and speech activation. The radiodevice, the user's mobile device (or any mobile device in proximity tothe radio device or by itself), and/or other peripheral sensoryinterfaces (steering wheel embedded controls, blue tooth headsets, GPSunits, etc may be used to support the feedback interface as well as thevoice activated feedback solution. Moreover, this approach could beapplied to rank content that is traditionally ranked by the contentproviders (example: American Top 40 Pop music list). By allowing thecontent feedback system to control the ranking, new and upcoming artiststhat might not have traditional methods of obtaining status due totraditional ranking metrics might find themselves on a ‘Top 40’ list,granting the artists accelerated recognition for their content. Theradio content providers backend system would be able to process thefeedback accordingly and then display updated rankings on apre-determined time basis that corresponds to their programmingschedule.

Still yet another embodiment involves the ability for a mobile device toshare content from the mobile device directly to the radio device. Thiswould allow for user generated content to be potentially distributed tothe radio content providers (radio stations). This might be in the formof a video taken from a mobile phone, voice note/recording, picture,media content such as a MP3 file, music, streaming video, etc. Thecontent provider would then be able to (at their discretion)redistribute content from the user base to the entire user population.This content may be available for viewing or download by other userseither on the radio device or on another user's wirelessly synced mobiledevice. It should be appreciated that although the use of wireless datatransmission and barcode scanning has been described, other methods ofdata transmission can be used to achieve the same desired result(physical data connection between radio device and mobile device, USB(means mobile device is plugged into radio device), Zigbee, BlueToothand all variations of BlueTooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, Infrared/Microwave, etc).

It should be appreciated that in still yet another embodiment, thebarcodes might also include links to a social media site (like Facebook®or Twitter®), or other website which by the simple act of scanning thebarcode from the radio display may create an action that may link theperson scanning the barcode to the end destination website. For example,scanning the barcode could provide a ‘like’ on a topic on Facebook®, ora aetweee on a topic running on Twitter®. Also, it may be used toprovide additional information on topics from the radio talk show ornewscast that were not covered during the conversation, but that may beavailable as additional content by scanning the barcode and havingaccess via the mobile device for further review. Accordingly, thepresent invention contemplates transferring and storing songs, videos,etc via the barcode.

The above can also benefit from a wireless sync to a person(s) mobiledevice, where the radio display interface would be configured to allow auser to press a button that would link the user's feedback directly to asocial media site as described above. Also, if there was additionalcontent for review by the content provider, the user could be promptedto press a button on the radio device interface that would send a link(wirelessly) to the person's mobile device that would allow them toreview the content at their leisure.

It should also be appreciated that the radio display device might becompletely replaced by the user's mobile device, where the mobile devicewould have the capabilities of performing the duties of the radiodevice. In one embodiment, it can be assumed that all functionalitywould be easily consolidated into a single device the user might carryon their person, allow for even more access to content as technologyadvances in the mobile device markets

For example, a person might use their mobile device as their radiodevice. This would allow for the content from the radio stationdisplayed on their mobile device (song info, advertisement, etc)allowing the user to benefit from interacting with the content directlyon their mobile device. The interaction, feedback, and reporting abilityof the invention could all be handled by the mobile device since itcould be in two way communications with the radio station whereas theradio device is only receiving data and not pushing data.

It should be appreciated that the present invention may also be used inrelation to venues like concerts or bars and clubs where music is beingplayed. For example, in one embodiment patrons might be able to scan aprojected image of a barcode that is displayed via a projector where thebarcode would be information about the song or a link purchase ordownload the song. The music/DJ system would be able to output a digitalsignal that would be converted to the name and artist of the song, orperhaps specific info for a website where a DJ where music mixes mightbe available for download via a mobile device or computer with aninternet connection.

It should be appreciated that data that can be communicated via barcode(or any data send method for that matter) can be applied to the field ofsocial gaming. For instance, the online game Farmville offers an onlinegaming social community that provides people the ability to interactwith virtual avatars/items/environments they have created. When theusers take part in ‘missions’ their virtual avatars expend energy. Thus,the invention provides a novel data input that is generated from thereal world and that can be used to ‘re-energize’ the virtual avatarsothe player can keep playing. The present invention contemplates a uniquetype of virtual social environment (such as “Muscleville”), where thedata is related to the users building and maintenance of their ownbodies and/or fitness center. In this environment, a user can competeagainst other users in the virtual world by using the exercise/healthdata they generate and upload into their virtual game account. Forexample, a user might sign up for a virtual body building competitionthat is using data responsive to their physical condition. In this case,data that is based on the level of physical activity the user performsin a real world fitness center or other environment, their personalizedavatar may apply this data resulting in a modified version (obese,heavy, thin frame, athletic, muscular, etc) of the avatar. Thus, userscan earn medals, real or virtual currency rewards, sponsor and othercoupons, social status, etc for participating in the many games that canbe created and administered. Users might also be able to ‘gift’ theirreal world earned/captured data to users in their friends list to helpthe other user meet a virtual fitness goal (peer motivation). It iscontemplated that in one embodiment the state of the fitness center canalso be linked to the performance of a person's overall health andactivity data. As a user's health/activity levels change (i.e. decreaseor increase), the virtual fitness center might have issues with itsvirtual staff moral, operational capability, equipment problems,cleanliness issues, or virtual default issues that might signify loss ofgym membership levels meaning a facility closure is coming near. Thus,the responsibility for the upkeep, employee morale, financial success,machine upkeep, and cleanliness of the fitness center all fall upon theperformance of the user in the real world.

It should be appreciated that the present invention as related todietary tracking can also be applied to the social gaming environment.This would provide an additional data input set that can be used tomodify the attributes of the game play (health of the avatar,currencies/pts/XP rewarded to player based on weekly results of foodpurchased that are related to the real world condition of the player andhow much calorie intake they are consuming). The player's food purchasesmight also affect the virtual physical shape of the user and/or the typeof virtual food/drink options that become available to the ‘gym members’of the players virtual fitness center. For example, if a player is usingthe scanning system in the real world to capture data on their dietaryintake, the total nutritional value of the food items scanned can beused to generate a virtual equivalent of what is available to the gymmembers in the fitness center. This may help the player in the realworld make more healthy eating choices since the player wants to keepplaying the game and keep his fitness center and gym members healthy.Also by not using the barcode system for tracking the dietary data, theuser might end up starving his virtual gym members. It should beappreciated that any type of exercise/health data may be applied to thisembodiment as well as data coming from various sources, such as personalwearable devices, exercise equipment, mobile devices, health kiosks withbiological monitoring abilities, personal mobile health devices(glucometers), data from video game console systems using exercisetracking or motion control technology, etc.

Accordingly, the present invention can be used to teach the user how tostick to a diet regime and eat healthy (or healthier) for theirparticular physical condition and may be integrated with existingdieting systems, such as Weightwatchers®, Nutrisystem®, etc. to helpmotivate and keep track of their customers and members. Moreover, thepresent invention may be used by insurance companies for variousreasons, such as to keep track of customers, or establish rates, etc.

In still yet another embodiment, the invention may be applied to theautomotive industry to aid a user in adhering to prescribed maintenanceprocedures, tracking of service history on vehicle, understanding thewarning lights/symbols (i.e. ‘check engine light’), part replacementwarning (muffler, brakes, etc) and how consumers can get pre-emptivereal time up to date information on how much a repair might cost. Ahardware device that is communicating with a vehicle's computer systemcan generate a barcode that has the On-Board-Diagnostics information.When this data is scanned by a mobile device, a person may receiveinformation discounts for local service providers based on their GPSco-oridinates provided by the mobile device. This might allow the personthe ability to remotely schedule an appointment for the repair servicefrom the selected discount provider specific to the error code that wasdetected by scanning the barcode. The person might also receive a recallnotification based on the results of scanning the barcode. This allowscar manufactures to monitor in field repair statistics and measureefficiency of car components being serviced or replaced by make ormodel. The barcode generation device may have the ability to capturedata on all fluid levels, tire pressure, etc and perform selfassessments for emissions. The barcode would be scanned and the mobiledevice might send data to state DMV websites allowing the user and DMVto save time and money compared to the current process and can alsoidentify vehicles that are not running in a safe emission zone morereadily since users can capture data more frequently using mobiledevices.

The system can also capture information on speed data that might be ableto help prove how fast a person was going moments before an accident(internally memory can store hours and hours of data), where this datacan also be shared with car insurance providers on a monthly basis aspart of an incentive program for reduced premiums based on safe speedlevels. A vehicle might have sensors that detect cigarette/cigar smokeand can report if a person was smoking inside the car (applicable torental car companies where they could charge an added fee if peoplesmoke when they aren't supposed to), this could also be applied todetected various drugs as well (weed, crack, etc).

In still yet another embodiment, the present invention may haveapplication in fields involving industrial/commercial equipment.

In still yet another embodiment, the present invention may includeaugmented reality codes that can be used to simplify the user interfaceof a machine. For example, a consumer fitness exercise machine mighthave a code that can be scanned by a mobile device. When the mobiledevice scans the code, a virtual user interface can be generatedspecific to the operation of the exercise machine. The advantageouslyallows equipment manufacturers to focus on simplifying and reducingtheir cost of manufacturing by creating equipment that can simply pluginto the mobile device. The mobile device's virtually generated userinterface can be configured to control all operation of the exercisemachine and can be used with any type of exercise machine (strength,cardio, cables, etc). The mobile devices interface (iPad® or otherTablet® PC's for example) can also be customized by the user. This mightallow them to share or bring their mobile device to other places wherecompatible fitness equipment can support this augmented reality customgenerated interface. This augmented reality user interface can be usefulfor allowing the equipment provider to constantly keep their look andfeel as well as software updated with the latest and greatest userinterface technologies. Since the mobile device can be networkedindependent of the exercise machine, this allow for seamless contentmanagement and on the fly updates and improvements that can be seamlessto the user. This interface can also be perfect for sharing data out ofthe exercise machine since the display could be configured to generatebarcodes as described herein.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention includes the generation ofbarcodes and exercise equipment (and associated display hardware) thatdisplay the barcodes via an electronic display, where the barcodeincludes desired information (inside the barcode image), such as,exercise performance data from the exercise machine and/or from othersensors worn on the person, exercise machine performance data (errorcodes, serial number, software info, make/model, utilization info, etc),advertising information from content that was displayed during theexercise session, specific channel information as to what channel(s) theuser was watching during the session and for how long each channel wason, coupons or other messaging info that was displayed to the userallowing them to purchase or redeem data when scanned on their mobiledevice, value points (a metric that was outputted from the exercisemachine based on performance of session or other factors), URLs used forpointing data to a web server or used for authenticating data set for amobile device application, and other unique aspects (such as digitaldynamic barcode generation component can allow for the size of thebarcode to change based on the amount and types of data that are used tocreate the barcode). It is contemplated that the barcode can alsoinclude a combination of colors to further enhance the amount of datacapture (reference the HCCP barcode type).

Additionally, another embodiment of the invention includes acontent/media delivery and display system that allows a user to scan themedia that is displayed to them. The scannable media can be a barcode orany image or media type that allows a user's mobile device to scan andcreate interaction with the media on their mobile device (such as smartphone). It should be appreciated that the scannable media can bedelivered to the exercise machine wirelessly and be displayed on themachine or any aftermarket display, the media can be triggered fordisplay based on the performance of the workout session (example: burn300 calories and a specific image file is displayed to the user whenthey hit that milestone) and/or the media can contain static QR codelinks that allow the user to have a transactional capability with thesystem as part of their workout (they can purchase products, claimcoupons, purchase services from the venue, claim points, etc). Whenscanned with a mobile device, the system can use augmented realitytechniques to present dynamic content on the user's mobile device,allowing the user to interact with the AR content on their mobiledevice. This allows the static media content to now become interactive,further promoting a transactional capability. Moreover, the system canallow a user to authenticate themselves on the system by scanning themedia which can be linked to a specific machine (example: a barcode thathas a wifi MAC address linked to the display electronics of themachine), or also by wirelessly communicating with the machine withtheir mobile device as a way to authenticate their presence on themachine. This allows more specific content related to a profile of theuser to be displayed during their workout session. Furthermore, thesystem can also provide a method of rewarding the user for interactingwith the scannable media. For example, when the user interacts or scansthe media with their mobile device, they can earn points, rewards, etcon the system. The scannable media can be delivered to the user not onlyat the exercise machine, but also on digital signage and printed mediathat would be found in the venue.

In still yet another embodiment, the system may enables medical devicesto have similar data capture capabilities, where a device like a bloodglucose meter can display a digital barcode (QR code) that hasinformation related to the test results of the user. For example, thedigital barcode display can have an embedded URL that allows ANY mobiledevice scanning application to be able to send the data to apredetermined web server (this requires no need for any mobileapplication development). Moreover, multiple test results can be insidethe dynamic QR code display. Data such as number of test strips consumedcan also be provided and this data can also power a QR code image thatallows the system to provide consumption information on test suppliesthat can be used to help accurately fulfill the next batch of testsupplies for the user, thus eliminating cost out of current test supplyfulfillment systems. Furthermore, an aftermarket module can plug intothe medical device (or communicate wirelessly) requesting data fromonboard memory of the medical device. This module may process and alsohave display capabilities for generating a QR code for scanning. Itshould be appreciated that this can also be applied to any type medicaldevice such as DNA sequencers, hemotology equipment, etc allowing testresults to be easily captured on mobile device (included machineperformance data characteristics as well for machine diagnostics).

Additionally, other embodiments contemplate that the exercise machinemight have scannable media (either printed or digitally displayed) thatwould allow a user to interact with the media with their mobile deviceallowing for instructions on how to use the machine or provideinformation on programming information that the machine has. The mobiledevice may be able to display this information through a websiteviewable on the mobile device or through augmented reality content thatis display on the mobile device through interaction with the scannablemedia. For example, one use may include a grocery store system thatwould allow a user to scan nutritional information from a display oreven a receipt that has a barcode that contains a summary of all of thenutrition information on the food products they had just purchased. Thisdata can be shared into any software application that would be able toapply the data as part of a prescribed nutrition program specific to theuser. Another use may include a payment system that allows a user toscan a barcode display on a machine that has information specific to apurchase of a product or service. The mobile device would be connectedonline to a server so when the user scans the machine interface(example: Red Box), where the user's payment information would come fromtheir mobile device and then the server would communicate with themachine completing the transaction.

Still yet another embodiment may include a system for interacting withaudio devices (such as, a car or portable radio) where content such asmusic, advertisements, coupons, etc, can be contained in a digital QRcode displayed on the audio device allowing the user to gain access tocontent that is typically not delivered to the user when music isplaying. Thus, this allows for content to be delivered to a userlistening to a audio device where the content is generated in scannableformat for the user. Moreover, the user could also interact with theaudio device display to provide feedback or trigger other actions suchas purchases, where the content is sent wirelessly to their mobiledevice. This would allow the radio station to have feedback on thecontent their users are listening to as well as provide a ranking systemfor content that is powered in real time by the users. The mobile devicewould be connected via a software application that would receive thecontent from the audio device and then also be connected to a webserverthat is hosted by the radio station content system. This provides a fullfeedback system for the radio station and also allows them to sell a newtype of advertisement inventory to companies since they can know benefitfrom ads sent to a user while music is being played.

In still yet another embodiment, a system for controlling a machine(treadmill, car radio, etc) where sensors are used to optically detectparameters of a person during use of the machine is provided. The sensor(xBox® Kinect® for example) may be in communication with the machineallowing for the system to detect heat signatures of the person during aworkout non-volitionally, hand gestures, etc. This sensor configurationwould allow the user to control the machine characteristics by nothaving to press a display control button on the machine. The sensorcould also use hand gestures by the user to control the volume of a TV,channel, speed, incline, etc. The sensor can also detect the profile ofthe user (age, gender, weight, etc) and use this information to set thecontrols of the machine and use the data to better predict calorieexpenditure. The sensor configuration can fully integrated into themachine, part of an TV display attached to the machine, or part of asmart phone (or other device) that is in communication with the machine.

In still yet another embodiment, a system for using facial recognitionduring an exercise session is provided, where the sensor technology candetect when a user is looking at a video display screen (on thetreadmill or aftermarket TV), and where the sensor is able to report howfrequently a user is looking at the screen. This can allow the system toreport on when a user is looking at a screen that might have advertisingcontent display, allowing the system to verify the effectiveness of thecontent and report the amount of time the user is spending looking atthe screen during a workout session. This sensor technology may also beable to identify the profile of the user, and would further allow thesystem to send more relevant content to the user for display while theworkout since this information can be used by a content managementsystem to filter less relevant content. The sensor can also be used toauthenticate a user that might allow the machine to turn on if they areauthenticated as being allowed to use that specific machine based onpayment status for access to the facility or even having a validmembership.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the invention may beimplemented through a controller operating in response to a computerprogram. In order to perform the prescribed functions and desiredprocessing, as well as the computations therefore (e.g. executioncontrol algorithm(s), the control processes prescribed herein, and thelike), the controller may includes, but not be limited to, aprocessor(s), computer(s), memory, storage, register(s), timing,interrupt(s), communication interface(s), and input/output signalinterface(s), as well as combination comprising at least one of theforegoing. Moreover, the invention may be embodied in the form of acomputer or controller implemented processes.

The methods and embodiments of the invention described herein andillustrated in the several figures may be embodied in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses. As such, the methods and embodiments described hereinaboveand in the several figures may also be embodied in the form of computerprogram code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such asfloppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readablestorage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded intoand executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus forpracticing the invention.

The methods and embodiments described hereinabove and in the severalfigures may also be embodied in the form of computer program code, forexample, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executedby a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such asover electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or viaelectromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code isloaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes anapparatus for practicing the invention. It should be further appreciatedthat the methods and embodiments described hereinabove may also bepracticed, in whole or in part, via any device suitable to the desiredend purpose, such as a computer, iPod, MP3 Player, a PDA, a Pocket PC,Tablet PC, Smartphone and/or a Cell phone with connection capability.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from thescope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not belimited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the inventionwill include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appendedclaims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first,second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the termsfirst, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Anapparatus and method for processing exercise information is provided,wherein the method includes obtaining exercise information, processingexercise information responsive to predetermined goals to generateresultant information and displaying the resultant information.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for generating and displaying a barcodeon a health kiosk, comprising: a processing device configured to obtainbiometric sensor data from at least one of a blood pressure sensor, abody fat sensor, a body weight sensor, and a pulse rate sensor, whereinthe processing device is further configured to, process data from atleast one of the biometric sensors and generate a barcode responsive tothe obtained and processed biometric sensor data, display the barcode ona display device and, a barcode receiving device having a camera sensor,wherein the barcode receiving device is configured to receive thebarcode and operate in response to the barcode data.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the processing device is at least partially integratedwith the display device.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the displaydevice has a display screen that is at least one of an LCD display, LEDdisplay, and touch screen display.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein theprocessing device includes at least one of a data communicationsprotocol used to obtain biometric data from the biometric sensorscommunication port, software used to collect and process data from thebiometric sensors, and software used to collect and process data from abody sensor worn by the user of the health kiosk.
 5. The system of claim1, wherein the processing device is in signal communication with atleast one of the blood pressure sensor, the body fat sensor, the bodyweight sensor, and the pulse rate sensor via at least one of a hardwiredconnection and a wireless connection.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinthe generated barcode data includes at least one of a URL responsive toa remote data storage server, user blood pressure data, user body fatdata, user body weight data, user pulse rate data, health kiosk locationID data, and software version data
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein theremote data storage server is at least one of a social media websitelinked to a user of the health kiosk and a electronic medical recordsystem linked to the user of the health kiosk.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the barcode receiving device is at least one of a smartphone, atablet, a hand-held gaming device, a PDA, a Pocket PC, and an MP3 playerdevice.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing device isconfigured to encrypt the barcode data prior to displaying the barcode.10. The system of claim 1, wherein the obtained data includes at leastone of a blood pressure data, body weight data, body fat data, and pulserate data.
 11. A method for generating and displaying a barcode on ahealth kiosk, the method comprising: establishing a communication linkbetween a processing device and at least one of a blood pressure sensor,a body fat sensor, a body weight sensor, a pulse rate sensor, and adisplay device, wherein the processing device contains software that isconfigured to; obtain user biometric data from at least one of abiometric sensor's on-board memory, a signal generated from a biometricsensor, and a body sensor worn by the user of the health kiosk, processthe obtained biometric data and generate the barcode in response to theprocessed biometric data; display the barcode on a display device and,upload the displayed barcode data to a mobile device; and process theuploaded barcode data via the mobile device responsive to the content ofthe barcode data.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the processingdevice is in signal communication with at least one of a blood pressuresensor, a body fat sensor, a body weight sensor, a pulse rate sensor,and a display device via either a hardwired or wireless connection. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein the generated barcode data includesrelated to a remote data storage server, user blood pressure data, userbody fat data, user body weight data, user pulse rate data, health kiosklocation ID data, and software version data.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the remote data storage server is at least one of a social mediawebsite linked to the user of the health kiosk, and an electronicmedical record system linked to the user of the health kiosk.
 15. Themethod of claim 11, wherein processing the obtained data includes atleast one of encrypting the data, combining processing device data withsaid obtained data, combining display device data with said obtaineddata, determining the size of the barcode based on the amount of saidobtained data, and determining the color of the barcode based on thesaid obtained data.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein uploading thebarcode data to a mobile device includes optically scanning the barcodevia the mobile device.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the mobiledevice is at least one of smartphone, tablet, hand-held gaming device,PDA, Pocket PC, and MP3 player device.
 18. The method of claim 15,wherein upon scanning the barcode, the mobile device processes thebarcode data to cause the mobile device to operate in response to thecontent and characteristics of the barcode data.
 19. The method of claim18, wherein processing the barcode data responsive to scanning thebarcode via the mobile device, includes processing the barcode data tocause the mobile device to communicate with a remote web server.
 20. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the processing device is at least partiallyintegrated with the display device.